Low prevalence of genital candidiasis in children.
In order to determine the prevalence of culture-proven candida infection in children with genital symptoms, a retrospective case-note review was performed to identify all symptomatic children with a culture result positive for Candida spp. during a 15-month period. Between May 2000 and July 2001, a total of 570 specimens were received from 473 children, and 34 positive culture results were recorded for specimens taken from 32 patients. Of these patients, 19 were in the 0-3-year age group, six in the 3-9-year age group and seven in the 9-12-year age group. Underlying risk factors for infection included prematurity, immunosuppression and prior antibiotic therapy. Three children were suspected to have experienced sexual abuse. Candida infection is uncommon in toilet-trained prepubertal girls, and empirical antifungal therapy is not indicated in this age group unless there are well-recognised predisposing factors. If a Candida sp. is isolated from a genital tract specimen taken from a 3-9-year-old girl, then a specific cause needs to be sought.
Lindisfarne Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, NE1 4LP, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
K
K
Banerjee
E
E
Curtis
C
C
de San Lazaro
J C
JC
Graham
D017677:Age Distribution; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002181:Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D052776:Female Urogenital Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D052801:Male Urogenital Diseases; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
D000935:Antifungal Agents