Congenital candidiasis. Case report.

Abstract

A full term baby presented congenital cutaneous candidiasis characterized by a monomorphous eruption of pustules on erythematous skin. Fresh examination of pustules and cultures put in evidence Candida albicans, whereas blood cultures did not grow bacteria or Candida. A treatment with fluconazole induced a rapid regression of the cutaneous lesions. His mother received a diagnosis of vaginitis due to Candida in the 26th week of gestation and was treated only with topical treatment. During the labor she was also treated with systemic antibiotics (Ampicillin 1g x 2) due to a positive culture for beta-hemolytic Streptococcus from a vaginal swab. The incomplete treatment of vaginitis and the antibiotic taken during the labor can have favored the spreading of the fungal infection and the appearance of pustular exanthem 12 hours after birth. Although congenital candidiasis is rare in full term healthy baby, the infection should be rightly diagnosed and the specific antimycotic treatment started as soon as possible to prevent a systemic spreading of the infection, which is more dangerous in the premature baby with low weight.