A case series of Kodamaea ohmeri sepsis with long term outcomes in neonates

Abstract

Kodamaea ohmeri (K. ohmeri) is a fungal pathogen causing severe infections in humans. We had six cases of neonatal infections caused by Kodamaea ohmeri, which has otherwise been rare. Two of the babies were born by normal vaginal route and four by cesarean section. All of them developed clinical symptoms and apparent worsening within 48 hours of life. Blood culture showed growth of K. ohmeri in all, with one of them developing meningitis. Three babies were treated with fluconazole, and two required amphotericin B, while one baby had a rapid deterioration and death. Three neonates had seizures with encephalopathy and required antiepileptics, who later developed neurological sequelae. Kodamaea ohmeri is an emerging pathogen in NICU with devastating outcomes. The utmost care and judicious treatment are required to overcome the deleterious effect caused by this agent.