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Malassezia furfur fungemia in infancy
G Alpert1, L M Bell, J M Campos
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104.
Clinical Pediatrics
|October 1, 1987
Abstract:
Malassezia furfur was recovered from blood cultures obtained through an indwelling line in seven severely ill infants hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit. While two of the patients were asymptomatic, the other patients had signs and symptoms compatible with sepsis. One patient had evidence of endocarditis.
Insights
Malassezia furfur, a yeast, was found in blood cultures of critically ill infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. This fungal infection can cause sepsis and endocarditis in vulnerable newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are susceptible environments for hospital-acquired infections.
- Indwelling lines in critically ill infants increase the risk of bloodstream infections.
- Malassezia furfur is a yeast commonly found on human skin, but can cause opportunistic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the incidence and clinical significance of Malassezia furfur bloodstream infections in a NICU setting.
- To highlight the potential for Malassezia furfur to cause sepsis and endocarditis in neonates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of blood cultures from hospitalized infants.
- Identification of Malassezia furfur through standard microbiological techniques.
- Clinical data review for signs and symptoms of infection and complications.
Main Results:
- Malassezia furfur was isolated from blood cultures of seven severely ill infants.
- Two infants were asymptomatic, while five presented with clinical signs of sepsis.
- One infant developed endocarditis secondary to Malassezia furfur fungemia.
Conclusions:
- Malassezia furfur fungemia can occur in critically ill neonates, often associated with indwelling lines.
- Clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic colonization to severe sepsis and endocarditis.
- Vigilance and prompt diagnosis are crucial for managing Malassezia furfur infections in the NICU.