Hepatic abscess due to Candida species in neonates: Case reports in Vietnam

Thi Quynh Nga Nguyen1,2, Thi Van Nguyen1, Thao Nguyen Pham1,2

  • 1Hanoi Medical University, Viet Nam.

Idcases
|October 12, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal hepatic abscess (NHA), a serious condition, can be caused by fungi like Candida. This study highlights three cases of fungal NHA, emphasizing diagnostic and treatment challenges in neonates.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Neonatal hepatic abscess (NHA) is a severe, often fatal, condition affecting newborns.
  • While bacterial causes are common, fungal NHA, particularly Candida species, presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
  • Understanding the etiology and associated factors of NHA is crucial for timely intervention.

Observation:

  • This report details three distinct cases of neonatal hepatic abscess caused by Candida species.
  • Each case involved different underlying conditions contributing to the development of the fungal abscess.
  • The clinical presentations and diagnostic pathways varied across the presented cases.

Findings:

  • Fungal NHA, though rare, represents a significant clinical concern in neonates.
  • Candida species are an important, albeit uncommon, cause of neonatal hepatic abscess.
  • The presence of diverse underlying pathologies complicates the management of fungal NHA.

Implications:

  • Early recognition and diagnosis of fungal NHA are critical for improving neonatal outcomes.
  • Tailored treatment strategies addressing both the fungal infection and underlying causes are necessary.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis and effective management of fungal NHA in neonates is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Candidiasis01:20

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by opportunistic species of Candida. It can affect various anatomical sites, including the skin, oral cavity, nails, and genitourinary tract. Among its forms, vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of mucosal infection. It typically results from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, C. albicans exists as a commensal organism within the vaginal microbiota, regulated by the dominance of lactobacilli, which...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...