A rare case of Candida parapsilosis osteomyelitis: a literature review and proposed treatment algorithm

Abstract Background Candida parapsilosis is a rare opportunistic pathogen that can be found in immunosuppressed patients. There are seldom-reported cases of fungal osteomyelitis surrounding orthopedic implants. Case presentation This is a case of chronic Candida parapsilosis osteomyelitis in an immu...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: John Michael Yingling, Li Sun, Richard Yoon, Frank Liporace
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2017-12-01
Series:Patient Safety in Surgery
Subjects:
Online Access:http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13037-017-0146-9
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Summary:Abstract Background Candida parapsilosis is a rare opportunistic pathogen that can be found in immunosuppressed patients. There are seldom-reported cases of fungal osteomyelitis surrounding orthopedic implants. Case presentation This is a case of chronic Candida parapsilosis osteomyelitis in an immunocompromised patient with a prior open reduction and internal fixation for a closed bimalleolar ankle fracture that went on to neglected wound complications. The patient underwent series of treatments including removal of hardware, serial irrigation and debridements, negative pressure wound therapy, and intravenous antifungal therapy. Our case illustrates the possibility of this rare pathogen involved in orthopedic surgery particularly in immunocompromised hosts. Conclusion Fungal and atypical pathogens should always be considered in such patients or if another diagnosis is not clear. Protracted time to culture specimens should be considered for at least four weeks in such situations. This article outlines a review of the literature and treatment algorithm to guide physicians when managing patients with this rare infection.
ISSN:1754-9493