Unusual invasive candidiasis by Candida glabrata in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: Case report

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic Candida glabrata infections have increased dramatically over the years. However, few studies have associated them with autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus. \nCase Report: We report the case of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus, admitted with gastrointestinal complaints and oral bleeding. She had an unfavorable clinical evolution with renal failure, requiring hemodialysis and invasive ventilatory support, and fungal septic shock followed by death. The culture grown on the central venous catheter was negative for fungi, but the yeast C. glabrata was observed in all other cultures, as regarding a fungal infection (urine and blood) as for monitoring colonization (tongue and tracheal secretion). The high similarity between the isolated yeasts strongly suggested a common origin of the colonizing yeasts of the oral cavity and respiratory tract, as well as those involved in the infection. \nConclusion: This finding confirms that nosocomial infection by C. glabrata is a reality today and it should not be neglected; furthermore, the management of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus should be rethought because the imbalance of the organic response makes patients susceptible to infections, such as invasive candidiasis.