Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr.  2005 Sep;8(2):269-274.

A Case of Esophageal Candidiasis in a Healthy Child

• Jo J
• Park SA
• Choi KD

Abstract

Esophageal candidiasis is an opportunistic infection, often reported in patients who have acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), a neoplastic disease, or undergoing protracted antibiotic therapy. Impaired cell mediated immunity was often considered as the major predisposing factor in patients of esophageal mucosal colonization of Candida spp. However, it is increasingly reported that the occurrence of esophageal candidiasis with no underlying disease or immune suppression. We have experienced a case of esophageal candidiasis in a 15-year-old girl who was immunologically normal and have no underlying disease and whose main symptoms were epigastric and retrosternal pain with dysphagia. This case suggests the possibilities of candidal infections in children without predisposing factors such as immune compromised conditions, so it will be needed to differentiate the esophageal candidiasis among healthy children with symptoms of odynophagia and dysphagia.

Keyword

Esophageal candidiasis; Candida albicans

MeSH Terms

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Adolescent
Candida
Candida albicans
Candidiasis*
Causality
Child*
Colon
Deglutition Disorders
Female
Humans
Immunity, Cellular
Opportunistic Infections