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Fungal sepsis in a 7-month-old female: diagnosis through peripheral blood smear
Yihun Bedaso1, Tadesse Alemayehu1, Amanuel Anegagregn Bizuneh2
1Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa, Ethiopia.
Abstract:
We report a case of a 7-month-old female with prolonged high-grade fever unresponsive to broad-spectrum antibiotics and antimalarial drugs. Despite negative cultures and imaging, a Giemsa-stained peripheral blood smear on day 28 revealed yeast cells, suggesting fungal sepsis in the context of prolonged antibiotic exposure and thrombocytopenia. The patient responded well to oral fluconazole, with full clinical recovery. This case underscores the value of peripheral blood smear examination in diagnosing yeast infections in resource-limited settings.
Insights
A rare yeast sepsis case in an infant, initially unresponsive to antibiotics, was diagnosed via peripheral blood smear. Prompt fluconazole treatment led to full recovery, highlighting smear utility in resource-limited settings.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Diagnostic Hematology
Background:
- Prolonged high-grade fever in infants can be challenging to diagnose.
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics and antimalarials are standard initial treatments.
- Fungal sepsis can present atypically, especially in young children.
