Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2025
Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
Cutaneous aspergillosis in a premature infant
Prateek Sharma1, Tazuddin Mohammed1
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
Insights
Fungal infections, though rare in preterm infants, are dangerous. This case shows invasive cutaneous aspergillosis in a very low birth weight infant, emphasizing early diagnosis for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Fungal infections in preterm infants, especially those with extremely low birth weight (ELBW), present a significant mortality risk.
- Immature immune systems and compromised skin barriers in ELBW infants increase susceptibility.
- Factors like broad-spectrum antibiotics and corticosteroids further impair host immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of primary invasive cutaneous aspergillosis (PCA) in an ELBW preterm infant.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and clinical importance of considering fungal infections in neonates with skin lesions.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 23-week ELBW preterm infant.
- Diagnosis confirmed via skin biopsy and cultures from debrided skin lesions.
- Assessment of potential inoculation routes, including thermal burns and skin maceration.
Main Results:
- The infant was diagnosed with primary invasive cutaneous aspergillosis (PCA).
- Skin biopsy and cultures confirmed the presence of Aspergillus species.
- Potential inoculation was linked to skin breakdown from thermal injury or prolonged incubation.
Conclusions:
- Invasive cutaneous aspergillosis is a critical consideration in ELBW infants with cutaneous manifestations.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of fungal infections are crucial due to high mortality rates.
- Maintaining a high index of suspicion for fungal pathogens is vital in neonatal intensive care.
Abstract:
Fungal infections in preterm infants are uncommon but serious infections that carry a high mortality rate. Preterm infants who are extremely low birth weight are at high risk for fungal infections due to immaturity of their immune system and skin barrier. Factors which further reduce host immunity in premature infants include prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and corticosteroids. Our case presentation involves an extremely low-weight 23-week preterm infant diagnosed with primary invasive cutaneous aspergillosis (PCA) confirmed by skin biopsy and cultures obtained from skin debridement. His inoculation was thought to be secondary to either a thermal burn or macerated skin from prolonged incubation. This case highlights the importance of keeping fungal infections at the forefront of one's differential diagnosis when an extremely low-weight infant presents with cutaneous lesions, as disseminated fungal infections carry a high mortality rate.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...