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Pulmonary candidiasis in cystic fibrosis
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|July 1, 1979
Insights
A child with cystic fibrosis and asthma developed a rare fungal lung infection, pulmonary candidiasis. Prompt diagnosis via lung puncture and treatment with 5-fluorocytosine led to recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and asthma are chronic respiratory conditions.
- Patients with CF and asthma may be immunocompromised.
- Comorbidities increase susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- A pediatric patient with a history of cystic fibrosis and asthma presented with symptoms suggestive of a lung infection.
- The patient had received prolonged antibiotic therapy, high-dose corticosteroids, and had an intravenous catheter.
- These factors are known to predispose individuals to fungal infections.
Findings:
- Pulmonary candidiasis, a fungal infection of the lungs caused by Candida species, was diagnosed in the patient.
- Diagnosis was confirmed through lung puncture.
- The patient showed a rapid clinical improvement upon treatment with 5-fluorocytosine.
Implications:
- This case highlights the risk of pulmonary candidiasis in immunocompromised pediatric patients with chronic respiratory diseases.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Awareness of predisposing factors can aid in the timely identification of at-risk individuals.
Abstract:
A child with cystic fibrosis and asthma developed pulmonary candidiasis. Predisposing factors in this patient were prolonged antibiotic therapy, high-dose corticosteroids, and intravenous catherisation. A diagnosis was made by lung puncture and confirmed by rapid response to 5-fluorocytosine.