Candida glabrata Infection: A Rare Complication of Chest Trauma

Abstract

Candida species are fungi, which are ubiquitous organisms. It is a normal flora of the oral cavity, genitourinary and gastrointestinal tract. An increasing incidence of fungal infections with Candida species has been noted in immunocompromised patients such as intensive care, postsurgical, and neutropenic patients. Candida species are detected in approximately 31 to 55% of healthy individuals. They are more common in immunocompromised individuals. Colonization rates increase with severity of illness and duration of hospitalization. We present a 32-year-old male who presented at our institution with a thoracoabdominal penetrating injury following assault. He had injury to the stomach and left hemi diaphragm, with moderate hemothorax. He had surgery done with repair of the stomach and diaphragm. He however developed chest infection with empyma thoracis thereafter. Culture of the pleural effluent revealed growth of Canddida glabrata which was sensitive to Ketoconazole. He was treated for two weeks and subsequently discharged from the ward and followed up in the clinic. Though C. glabrata infection of the chest is rare, it is however useful to exclude fungal infection in patients with empyema thoracic, as early diagnosis and treatment provides good outcome.