Successful management of Candida auris external ventricular shunt infection: a case report

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Mycology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Candida auris ventriculitis is a rare and severe infection with high mortality.
• Limited data exists on effective management strategies and care plans.
• This case addresses the challenge of treating a specific type of Candida auris infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a successful treatment of Candida auris ventriculitis in a patient with an external ventricular shunt.
• To illustrate an effective therapeutic approach for this rare condition.

Main Methods:

• A 34-year-old male patient with an external ventricular shunt infected by Candida auris was treated.
• A multi-drug systemic antifungal regimen was administered, including amphotericin B liposomal, caspofungin, and voriconazole.
• Source control was achieved through shunt removal after 20 days of therapy.

Main Results:

• The patient received a sequential combination antifungal therapy based on cerebrospinal fluid culture and sensitivity.
• Successful eradication of Candida auris infection was achieved.
• The external ventricular shunt was permanently removed after achieving source control.

Conclusions:

• Candida auris ventriculitis can be effectively managed with a combination of systemic antifungal agents.
• Appropriate source control measures are crucial for successful treatment outcomes.
• This case demonstrates a viable treatment protocol for a challenging clinical scenario.