Korean J Dermatol.  2023 Jan;61(1):52-56.

A Case of Congenital Cutaneous Candidiasis in Very Low Birth Weight Infant with Maternal Chorioamnionitis

• Kim K
• Kim D
• Hong D
• Jung KE
• Seo YJ
• Chang M
• Lee Y

Abstract

Congenital cutaneous candidiasis (CCC) is a rare disease caused by Candida spp. that occurs within the first six days of life. Its exact pathogenesis remains unclear; however, the suspected pathomechanisms include maternal vulvovaginal candidiasis and ascending infections. A preterm, 1,550-g male infant presented with generalized maculopapules and pustules on his whole body. The patient’s mother had undergone cervical cerclage at a gestational age (GA) of 29 weeks due to an incompetent internal os of the cervix. The pregnancy was terminated at GA 37-week because the mother developed chorioamnionitis. We performed a potassium hydroxide microscopic examination, skin biopsy, and fungal culture test on the baby. Microscopic examination of the skin scrapings revealed pseudohyphae with yeasts, and Candida albicans was identified in the culture test. Maternal placental biopsy revealed fungal organisms, and the baby was diagnosed with CCC due to an ascending infection. The skin lesions completely disappeared after intravenous liposomal amphotericin B treatment.

Keyword

Candida albicans; Chorioamnionitis; Congenital cutaneous candidiasis