Gastric perforation with Candida tropicalis invasion in a previously healthy girl

Abstract

Fungal cells were observed infiltrating the submucosal margins of an acutely perforated gastric ulceration in an apparently immunocompetent 3-year-old girl. Perforation had occurred 24 h after hospital admission because of pain and vomiting. Colonies of Candida tropicalis were grown from peritoneal fluid and blood cultures. After surgical repair and a 30-day treatment with amphotericin B at a daily dose of 1 mg kg-1 body weight, the child was discharged in good health. No further infections have occurred in the 3 years since treatment.