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Candida albicans blastoconidia in peripheral blood smears from non-neutropenic surgical patients
Y Berrouane1, H Bisiau, F Le Baron
1Département de Microbiologie et Biochimie, Centre Hospitalier de Valenciennes, France. yberrouane@chru-lille.fr
Abstract:
An 80 year old woman developed fever 11 days after volvulus surgery. A peripheral blood smear showed numerous yeast cells--both extraleucocytic and intraleucocytic--as well as leucoagglutination. The fungal elements included blastospores, pseudohyphae, and germ tubes. Two days later, blood cultures yielded Candida albicans, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Staphlococcus aureus. The patient had no medical history of immunodeficiency. Several reports indicate that fungal elements may be detected in peripheral blood smears from patients who have a severe intestinal disease.
Insights
A peripheral blood smear revealed yeast cells in an elderly woman post-volvulus surgery, indicating potential fungal infection. This finding highlights the importance of microscopic examination in diagnosing systemic candidiasis in surgical patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Volvulus surgery can predispose patients to complications, including infections.
- Early detection of systemic fungal infections is crucial for patient outcomes.
- Peripheral blood smear analysis is a valuable diagnostic tool in identifying microorganisms.
Observation:
- An 80-year-old female presented with fever 11 days after volvulus surgery.
- Peripheral blood smear revealed numerous yeast cells (extraleucocytic and intraleucocytic) and leucoagglutination.
- Identified fungal elements included blastospores, pseudohyphae, and germ tubes.
Findings:
- Blood cultures confirmed Candida albicans, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus.
- The patient had no prior history of immunodeficiency.
- The presence of fungal elements in peripheral blood smears is associated with severe intestinal disease.
Implications:
- This case underscores the diagnostic utility of peripheral blood smears in detecting systemic fungal infections, particularly Candida albicans.
- Prompt identification of fungal elements can guide timely and appropriate antifungal therapy.
- Further research into the association between severe intestinal disease and the presence of fungal elements in blood smears is warranted.