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Invasive Candida norvegensis infection in immunocompromised patients
1Department of Infectious Diseases, National University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract:
Invasive infection with Candida norvegensis has previously been reported only once. Three new cases of invasive infection with C. norvegensis are described. One patient with acute myeloid leukaemia and neutropenic septicaemia had positive blood cultures with C. norvegensis, and 2 patients with AIDS and prolonged unexplained febrile cachexia had positive cultures of C. norvegensis from multiple sites, including pericardium, liver, kidneys lymph nodes and bone marrow, on autopsy. In severely immunocompromised patients, C. norvegensis appears to be an emerging new pathogen.
Insights
Candida norvegensis, a rare fungal pathogen, is emerging as a threat. Invasive infections were documented in three severely immunocompromised patients, highlighting its potential as a new infectious agent.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Invasive fungal infections pose significant risks, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Candida species are common causes of opportunistic infections.
- Previous reports of invasive Candida norvegensis are exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- Three new cases of invasive Candida norvegensis infection are presented.
- One case involved a patient with acute myeloid leukemia and neutropenic sepsis.
- Two cases occurred in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) presenting with febrile cachexia.
Findings:
- Candida norvegensis was identified as the causative agent in all three cases.
- Infections disseminated to multiple organs, including the pericardium, liver, kidneys, lymph nodes, and bone marrow in autopsy findings.
- Blood cultures were positive for Candida norvegensis in the neutropenic patient.
Implications:
- Candida norvegensis is identified as an emerging pathogen in severely immunocompromised populations.
- This finding necessitates increased clinical awareness and diagnostic vigilance for this rare yeast.
- Further research is warranted to understand the epidemiology and treatment of Candida norvegensis infections.