Infantile endogenous Candida endophthalmitis presenting as a cataract

The most common pathogen to cause endogenous endophthalmitis is the fungus Candida albicans. Most cases involve adults who are either immunosuppressed or have a history of repeated or prolonged extracorporeal access to their circulatory system. Endogenous Candida endophthalmitis can occur in infants as well, particularly when prematurity, broad spectrum antibiotic therapy, or prior surgery are present as predisposing factors. We report the clinical and histopathological findings of an infant who developed a unilateral, sectoral lens opacity four months after undergoing treatment for disseminated candidiasis. The diagnosis of localized intralenticular fungal abscess with associated endophthalmitis was made via histopathologic examination of the aspirated lens material. Treatment with systemic antifungal agents successfully preserved the eye. In addition, we review and summarize the previously reported cases of Candida endophthalmitis in patients under one year of age.