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Updated: May 7, 2026

State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates
Published on: February 2, 2015
Multiple brain abscesses in a neonate: a rare case report along with review of literature
Aanand Mehta1, Manish Yadav2, Bishal K Gupta2
1Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj.
Introduction And Importance:
Brain abscess (BA) is a pyogenic infection of the brain parenchyma caused by various organisms. Multiple BAs are uncommon in neonates, and Candida albicans as a causative agent is very rare. If left untreated, BAs are invariably fatal. Early diagnosis, prompt surgical intervention, simultaneous eradication of the primary source, and high-dose intravenous antibiotics decrease the incidence of morbidity and mortality.
Case Presentation:
A 20-day-old newborn, delivered normally at term with a full APGAR score, presented with a 5-day history of fever, decreased activity, jaundice, and seizures. Imaging identified multiple cerebral cysts, diagnosed as multiple cerebral abscesses. Treatment involved intraoperative USG-guided burr-hole drainage, followed by a 6-week antifungal therapy course. C. albicans was found to be the causative organism following microscopic examination and culture of the pus.
Clinical Discussion:
This literature highlights the rarity of fungal involvement in multiple cerebral abscesses in neonates. Managing such cases is very challenging, as the presentation may mimic bacterial infections. The importance of considering fungi as a causative agent in treatment decisions is crucial.
Conclusion:
Multiple BAs of fungal origin are extremely rare. Early detection and management of cases can reduce mortality among neonates.
Insights
Multiple brain abscesses caused by Candida albicans are rare in neonates. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reducing mortality in these challenging fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Infectious diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Brain abscess (BA) is a serious pyogenic infection of brain tissue.
- Multiple BAs are uncommon in neonates, with fungal causes being exceptionally rare.
- Untreated BAs have high mortality rates.
Observation:
- A 20-day-old neonate presented with fever, decreased activity, jaundice, and seizures.
- Imaging revealed multiple cerebral abscesses.
- Candida albicans was identified as the causative agent after pus culture.
Findings:
- The neonate underwent USG-guided drainage and a 6-week antifungal therapy.
- Successful treatment of a rare fungal brain abscess in a neonate was achieved.
- This case underscores the challenge of diagnosing fungal BAs that mimic bacterial infections.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical need to consider fungal etiologies in neonatal brain abscesses.
- Emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and prompt management for improved outcomes.
- Demonstrates the successful treatment of a rare Candida albicans brain abscess in a neonate.
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Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis l: Introduction
Brain Abscess l: Introduction

