Congenital Cutaneous Candidiasis With Systemic Dissemination in a Preterm Infant

Abstract

Congenital cutaneous candidiasis is an infrequent invasive fungal infection that usually appears in the first days of life. Extremely low birth weight infants are the most frequently affected. Classic presentation includes diffuse extensive erythematous rash with papules, plaques, pustules and vesicles, which later undergoes desquamation. Systemic dissemination is common in extremely low birth weight infants. Blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid evaluation should be included in the initial assessment. Early and prolonged treatment has been associated with decreased mortality. We report the case of congenital cutaneous candidiasis in a preterm infant. Early skin lesion recognition allowed establishing adequate treatment in the first hours of life.

Congenital Cutaneous Candidiasis in a Premature Neonate. Case Report

“…In addition, further risk factors are the presence of intrauterine devices, maternal history of cervical cerclage, and invasive maneuvers during delivery 5 . Less common risk factors that may participate CCC are the time of membrane rupture and the mother's diagnosis of fungal vaginosis previously [4][5][6] . Furthermore, this condition may occur either from vaginal or abdominal delivery [4][5][6] .…”

“…Less common risk factors that may participate CCC are the time of membrane rupture and the mother's diagnosis of fungal vaginosis previously [4][5][6] . Furthermore, this condition may occur either from vaginal or abdominal delivery [4][5][6] . Regarding mucocutaneous compromise, manifestations are the result of the aspiration of infected amniotic fluid 6 .…”

“…Furthermore, this condition may occur either from vaginal or abdominal delivery [4][5][6] . Regarding mucocutaneous compromise, manifestations are the result of the aspiration of infected amniotic fluid 6 . In our case, our patient was a preterm neonate with a maternal history of fungal vaginosis.…”

“…Clinically, CCC develops within the first week of life, usually within a few hours of birth. It has a heterogeneous presentation that varies according to the following factors: host immune response, number of microorganisms, and time of exposure [1][2][3][4][5][6] . It typically initiates with diffuse maculopapular exanthema, with scaly patches localized in the face, scalp, extensor surfaces of extremities, and umbilical region 2 .…”

“…Every CCC approach should begin with clinical suspicion. However, a definite diagnosis, including microscopic evaluation, and the culture of Sabouraud dextrose agar from the mucocutaneous lesions, placenta, or umbilical cord, should be assessed [5][6][7][8] . The clinical course is benign and auto-limited.…”