A rare case of infective endocarditis caused by Candida albicans

Abstract

Despite significant advances in medical, surgical, and critical care interventions, infective endocarditis (IE) remains a disease associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Fungal endocarditis is relatively unusual in children although it is one of the most feared forms of endocarditis. Candida species are the most common organisms recovered. In neonates, this infection may be a complication of intensive care measures, including hyperalimentation fluid infusion, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for a prolonged time, and extended use of indwelling venous catheters. The mortality rate from fungal endocarditis is high, even with intensive medical and surgical therapy. The present paper aimed to present a third-month-old girl baby with candida infective endocarditis (fungus ball) diagnosed and surgically operated.