Congenital Candidiasis in a Preterm Neonate: Raising Awareness of a Rare and Unpredictable Disease

Abstract

Congenital Candidiasis (CC) can be seen within the 1st week of life as a mucocutaneous infection [1]. It can present as diffuse rashes that prompt systemic antifungal treatment to prevent dissemination and candida-related mortality [2]. The disease indicates intrauterine infection if present at birth [3]. It can easily be mistaken for other benign neonatal skin eruptions, especially if the mother has a normal vaginal culture or has been adequately treated for fungal infections. We report a case of cutaneous CC in a preterm infant who presented with rashes at birth and was misdiagnosed as having benign neonatal eruptions. Few cases have been reported in preterm infants, and of these cases, none have been in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the awareness of these unusual presentations in neonates with skin rashes is crucial to improving patient care.