[Trichosporon asahii sepsis associated with urinary catheter in a pediatric burn unit: 2 case reports]

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatric Critical Care

Background:

• Trichosporon asahii is a fungus found in human microbiota, increasingly causing infections.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) by T. asahii are rare in pediatric intensive care burn units.
• Pediatric patients with severe burns are susceptible to opportunistic infections.

Observation:

• Two pediatric patients with severe burns and prolonged hospitalization developed sepsis.
• Both patients had received multiple antibiotic courses prior to sepsis onset.
• Sepsis was secondary to catheter-related urinary tract infections caused by T. asahii.

Findings:

• Diagnosis of T. asahii UTI was based on clinical presentation and exclusion of other pathogens.
• Both patients were successfully treated with voriconazole for 10 days.
• Urinary catheter replacement was a crucial part of the treatment regimen.

Implications:

• This case series highlights T. asahii as a potential pathogen in severe burn infections.
• Early diagnosis and targeted antifungal therapy (voriconazole) are critical for favorable outcomes.
• Management strategies should include prompt urinary catheter care in high-risk pediatric burn patients.