A case report of childhood onychomycosis caused by the rare yeast Kodamaea ohmeri
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 1/20/2025
- View Source
Summary
A 5-year-old girl in Vietnam developed a nail infection caused by a rare yeast called Kodamaea ohmeri, which typically affects adults with diabetes or weak immune systems. The infection, appearing as white discoloration on the nails, was successfully treated with a topical antifungal cream applied three times daily for one month. This is the first reported case of this rare yeast causing nail infection in a child in Vietnam, and it demonstrates that topical treatment can be effective for fungal nail infections in children whose nails are thinner than adults.
Background
Onychomycosis is rare in pediatric patients, with dermatophytes and Candida being the main causative agents. Kodamaea ohmeri has recently emerged as a human pathogen causing various infections including onychomycosis, particularly in immunocompromised or diabetic patients.
Objective
To report the first documented case of childhood onychomycosis caused by K. ohmeri in Vietnam and present clinical presentation, identification methods, antifungal susceptibility testing, and treatment outcomes.
Results
K. ohmeri was identified with 100% nucleotide identity by ITS sequencing. The isolate showed low minimum inhibitory concentrations for most antifungal agents except fluconazole and caspofungin. The patient was successfully treated with topical 2% ketoconazole cream for one month, achieving complete resolution with no relapse after six months.
Conclusion
This is the first documented case of childhood onychomycosis caused by K. ohmeri in Vietnam, presenting as white superficial onychomycosis. Topical ketoconazole cream proved effective for treatment, suggesting it may be a viable option for pediatric patients with this infection due to thinner nail plates facilitating drug absorption.
- Published in:Medical Mycology Case Reports,
- Study Type:Case Report,
- Source: PMID: 39926298, DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2025.100695