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Trichosporon beigelii, a new neonatal pathogen
B S Yoss1, R L Sautter, H J Brenker
1Department of Pediatrics, Harrisburg Hospital, Pennsylvania, USA.
American Journal of Perinatology
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Trichosporon beigelii causes rare but often fatal sepsis in premature infants. Early identification and alternative antifungals are crucial for managing neonatal trichosporonosis.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neonatal sepsis presents a significant challenge, particularly when caused by uncommon fungal pathogens.
- Trichosporon beigelii is an infrequent cause of sepsis in vulnerable low-birth-weight infants.
Observation:
- Two cases of invasive neonatal trichosporonosis and two cases of colonization are presented.
- Infants experienced sepsis or colonization, with invasive cases proving uniformly fatal despite amphotericin B treatment.
Findings:
- Trichosporon beigelii infections in neonates are associated with high mortality rates.
- Many T. beigelii strains exhibit resistance to amphotericin B, complicating initial treatment.
- Misidentification with Candida species can delay appropriate antifungal therapy.
Implications:
- Neonatologists must be aware of Trichosporon beigelii as a potential pathogen in neonatal sepsis.
- Management requires prompt and accurate identification, considering alternative antifungal agents and combination therapies.
- Further research into effective treatments for neonatal trichosporonosis is warranted.