A RARE CAUSE OF FUNGAL SEPSIS IN PRETERM NEONATE: A CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46793/PP251224021PKeywords:
preterm newborn, neonatal sepsis, Candida, invasive candidiasisAbstract
Introduction: Fungal sepsis is a serious bloodstream infection and an important cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm neonates. Meyerozyma guilliermondii (anamorph Candida guilliermondii) is an ascomycetes fungus, a saprophyte detected on human skin, gastrointestinal and genitourinary mucosa. This fungus is a rare cause of invasive infection, occurring in less than 5% of cases.
Case presentation: The preterm male neonate was delivered by emergency cesarean section at 286/7 weeks of gestation with birth weight of 1590 g. On the 12th days of life, the neonate developed signs of sepsis, associated with mild thrombocytopenia and increased concentration of C-reactive protein. Meyerozyma guilliermondii was proven in blood culture, while cerebrospinal fluid and urine were sterile. Respiratory and hemodynamic stability was maintained during infection. Fungal sepsis was treated with fluconazole, with a favorable outcome.
Conclusion: The importance of monitoring the clinical picture and laboratory parameters in neonates with fungal sepsis is emphasized when making a decision about the use of antifungal drug. In accordance with the current recommendations, the use of fluconazole prophylaxis reduces the risk of invasive fungal infection, especially in extremely preterm neonates with extremely low birth weight.
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