Refractory Odontogenic Infection Associated to Candida Albicans: A Case Report

Daya A Mikhail, Mederos Heidi BS and McClure Shawn

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nova Southeastern University /Broward Health Medical Center, USA

^*Correspondance to: Daya A Mikhail 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.1397

Abstract

Background: Multifascial space infections from an odontogenic origin have been attributed to a different number of microorganisms. These infections can be serious, involving multiple deep spaces in the head and neck, and potentially compromising the airway. Fungal etiology including C. albicans has been reported in the past as a rare agent involving multifascial space infections.Case Description: We present an unusual case of a severe deep space infection associated with carious teeth numbers 31 and 32. This specific infection proved to be resistant to multiple antibiotic therapy and required incision and drainage on two different occasions. After the initial surgery, the patient remained febrile with an elevated white blood cell count; thus, the patient was taken to the operating room again for a re-drainage and new cultures. Cultures obtained during the second surgery were positive for C. albicans. The patient was responsive to antifungal therapy, showing quick improvement in his condition.Conclusion: Although multiple factors could have contributed to this patient’s vulnerability to odontogenic infection of fungal etiology including history of alcoholism and broad spectrum antibiotic therapy, it remains an infrequent finding in the literature. This case illustrates the need to consider a fungal cause in patients with odontogenic infections who are not responsive to broad spectrum antibiotics and surgical drainage.

Keywords

Odontogenic infection; Candida albicans; Microorganisms

Cite the article

Mikhail DA, Mederos Heidi BS, McClure Shawn. Refractory Odontogenic Infection Associated to Candida Albicans: A Case Report. Clin Surg. 2017; 2: 1397.