A Series of Six Cases of Candida Ciferrii Infection in a Tertiary Care Centre of North India
Shalini Upadhyay
Department of Microbiology, Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana, India.
Teena Wadhwa *
Department of Microbiology, Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana, India.
Smita Sarma
Department of Microbiology, Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: We aim to understand the role of Candida ciferrii (C. ciferrii) as a pathogen for invasive mycosis.
Presentation of Cases: We report six cases of patients with invasive disease due to C. ciferrii from a tertiary care centre of North India in one year. Among the six cases, two cases are of candidemia, three from lower respiratory samples and one from drainage fluid.
Discussion: Fungal infections especially candidiasis may occur in immunocompromised patients or in patients with associated co-morbidities. Candidiasis increases both the morbidity and mortality. C. ciferriihas been rarely reported as cause of human infection. It may not be the primary pathogen but has the potential to exacerbate the existing pathology.
Conclusion: Rare and unusual pathogens should not be ignored. They should be reviewed in accordance with the patient’s clinical manifestations and treated promptly to improve the prognosis of patient in appropriate clinical conditions.
Keywords: Stephanoascus, Candida ciferrii, Candidemia, antifungal susceptibility