Primary cutaneous aspergillosis complicated with invasive aspergillosis in an extremely preterm infant: Case report and literature review

Aspergillus is a ubiquitous fungus that can cause primary cutaneous aspergillosis in extremely low-birth-weight (E LAM) neonates, then be invasive and lead to death. ELBW neonates are particularly at risk because of decreased qualitative immune defenses and defects in the skin barrier. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy and corticosteroids, often used in these patients, contribute to increased risk. We present a fatal case of primary cutaneous aspergillosis complicated with invasive aspergillosis, confirmed by autopsy, in an ELBW infant. The source of contamination was probably non-sterile disposable latex gloves used for neonatal care. The early recognition of this source led to its eviction for oilier hospitalized ELBW infants and no outbreak was observed. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.