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Mucocutaneous fungal colonization in HIV-infected children
P C Don1, N N Shen, E K Koestenblatt
1Department of Dermatology, New York Medical College-Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York, USA.
Abstract:
The prevalence of symptomatic mucocutaneous candidiasis in HIV-infected children is well documented. Information, however, of the carriage rate of potential fungal pathogens is lacking. In this study we determined the fungal colonization rate of multiple mucocutaneous sites from 13 HIV-infected and 12 control children. The rate of yeast and mould colonization and the species of fungal isolates were essentially the same for both groups of patients. However, several HIV-infected children asymptomatic for thrush proved to be colonized by Candida albicans, and disseminated colonization with Trichosporon beigelii occurred in one HIV-infected child. All cultures for dermatophytes were negative. While the carriage rate with fungi other than C. albicans was not increased in the HIV-infected group, the isolates recovered are known pathogens in the immunocompromised host and the colonization of these organisms may be a potential source of infection.
Insights
Fungal colonization rates were similar between HIV-infected and control children. However, HIV-infected children showed asymptomatic Candida albicans colonization and disseminated Trichosporon beigelii, posing potential infection risks.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Immunocompromised Host Research
Background:
- Symptomatic mucocutaneous candidiasis is common in HIV-infected children.
- Data on fungal pathogen carriage rates in this population is limited.
- Understanding colonization is crucial for managing opportunistic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine and compare fungal colonization rates at multiple mucocutaneous sites.
- To identify fungal species colonizing HIV-infected children and healthy controls.
- To assess the potential for colonization to lead to infection in immunocompromised children.
Main Methods:
- Collected fungal cultures from multiple mucocutaneous sites.
- Compared colonization rates and species between 13 HIV-infected children and 12 control children.
- Identified yeast and mould isolates, including Candida albicans and Trichosporon beigelii.
Main Results:
- Overall yeast and mould colonization rates were similar between HIV-infected and control groups.
- Several HIV-infected children, asymptomatic for thrush, were colonized by Candida albicans.
- One HIV-infected child experienced disseminated Trichosporon beigelii colonization; dermatophyte cultures were negative.
Conclusions:
- While overall fungal carriage rates are similar, specific pathogens like Candida albicans and Trichosporon beigelii colonize HIV-infected children.
- Colonization by these opportunistic fungi in immunocompromised children may represent a significant source of infection.
- Further monitoring of fungal colonization in HIV-infected children is warranted.