Abstract

PEREIRA, Denise N. et al. Disseminated Trichosporon spp infection in preterm newborns: a case report. J. Pediatr. (Rio J.) [online]. 2009, vol.85, n.5, pp. 459-461. ISSN 0021-7557.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0021-75572009000500016.

OBJECTIVE: To report the first case of disseminated Trichosporon spp infection in a newborn infant in Brazil, discussing a few aspects concerning management and treatment. A new spectrum of pathogens associated with severe infections in neonatal ICU has arisen, afflicting mainly newborn infants weighing less than 1,000 g at birth. Infection with Trichosporon asahii is rare and often fatal in this group of patients. DESCRIPTION: A case of Trichosporon spp fatal infection in a newborn weighing 815 g at birth is reported. Literature search in the main databases returned only nine articles, reporting 14 cases of infection with this fungus in preterm newborns. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of invasive fungal infection is around 6% in this group of patients, Trichosporon infection being a likely occurrence. Mortality rate in these cases is extremely high, but early treatment with triazole antifungals improves prognosis significantly.

Keywords : Newborn infant; premature infant; low birth weight; sepsis.