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Published on: July 1, 2020
TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION MIGHT INCREASE THE RISK OF INVASIVE CANDIDIASIS IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT PATIENT
Xiao-Hua Chen1, Yun-Chao Gao2, Yi Zhang1
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
A rare case of deep Candida infection and spinal tuberculosis coinfection occurred in a healthy young man. Tuberculosis may weaken immunity, increasing invasive candidiasis risk even in immunocompetent individuals.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
- Immunology
Background:
- Deep Candida infections typically affect immunocompromised individuals.
- Invasive candidiasis presents a significant challenge in clinical settings.
Observation:
- A healthy 19-year-old male presented with prolonged fever and lower back pain.
- He had a history of scalded mouth syndrome.
- Coinfection with Candida albicans and Mycobacterium tuberculosis was diagnosed.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited multiple deep organ involvement.
- Culture of aspirates confirmed both fungal and bacterial pathogens.
- Antifungal and antituberculous therapies led to significant symptom improvement.
Implications:
- This case highlights that tuberculosis can compromise immune defenses in immunocompetent hosts.
- Tuberculosis may predispose individuals to invasive candidiasis.
- Clinicians should consider invasive fungal infections in patients with tuberculosis, regardless of immune status.
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