Torulopsis glabrata in the neonate: an emerging fungal pathogen

Fungi are becoming increasingly common nosocomial pathogens in the neonatal intensive care patient. The fungus Torulopsis glabrata, a common skin inhabitant, is a potential pathogen in the high-risk neonate. In this report we have reviewed the cases of two infants in which systemic T glabrata infection was diagnosed. One patient survived without apparent sequelae; the other died before diagnosis and initiation of therapy. Five other cases of systemic infection by T glabrata in neonates have been reported previously, with only one survivor. Early recognition and treatment of this nearly uniformly fatal infection is imperative.