Renal mycetomas in a 10-month-old female infant without immunodeficiency

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Fungal urinary tract infections (UTIs), primarily caused by Candida albicans, are increasing.
• Common predisposing factors include prematurity, parenteral nutrition, immunosuppression, and prolonged antibiotic use.
• Candidal renal mycetomas are exceptionally rare, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.

Observation:

• A 10-month-old infant without immunodeficiency developed candidal renal mycetomas post-surgery for bilateral vesico-ureteric reflux.
• This case represents a rare instance of fungal ball formation in the kidneys of an immunocompetent pediatric patient.

Findings:

• The infant's renal candidiasis was successfully treated with a combination of fluconazole and echinocandin.
• This case highlights the successful management of a rare fungal infection in a pediatric patient.

Implications:

• The successful treatment of this immunocompetent pediatric patient suggests that aggressive antifungal therapy can be effective even in rare presentations of candidal renal mycetomas.
• This case contributes to the limited literature on fungal ball formation in the urinary tract of immunocompetent children, emphasizing the need for vigilance and prompt treatment.