Invasive Fungal Infection Presenting as Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis

Abstract

In neonatal intensive units, invasive fungal infection remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, although an unusual cause of early-onset neonatal sepsis. In this report, we present a case of Candida parapsilosis infection presenting as early-onset bacterial sepsis. The patient was a 6-day-old male preterm neonate (estimated gestational age of 32 weeks) admitted to our neonatal unit on account of fever, refusal to feed, and vomiting which started during the first 24 h of life. Initially, he was managed for early-onset neonatal sepsis. However, his clinical state deteriorated within the 1st week of admission and his blood culture yielded C. parapsilosis. His clinical condition subsequently improved significantly following the administration of intravenous amphotericin. He spent a total of 25 days on admission before discharge. Our report reiterates the need to raise the index of suspicion for invasive fungal infection in cases of early-onset neonatal sepsis with poor response to appropriate and potent antibiotics.