# Candida parapsilosis Oral Infection in an HIV-Negative Infant With Profound CD4+ Lymphopenia: Unveiling a Rare Immunodeficiency Scenario

## TL;DR

A six-year-old HIV-negative child with severe oral infection and low CD4+ cells highlights a rare immunodeficiency case.

## Contribution

Highlights a rare case of CD4+ lymphopenia and C. parapsilosis infection in an HIV-negative child.

## Key findings

- Severe oral candidiasis caused by C. parapsilosis in an HIV-negative child with profound CD4+ lymphopenia.
- Intravenous fluconazole treatment led to rapid clinical improvement.
- Emphasizes the need for early immunological and genetic evaluation in atypical pediatric candidiasis.

## Abstract

We describe a rare pediatric case of severe oral candidiasis caused by Candida parapsilosis (C. parapsilosis), associated with significant CD4+ lymphopenia and negative HIV serology. A previously healthy six-year-old female presented with high-grade fever and refractory oral lesions. Laboratory investigations revealed profound CD4+ lymphopenia and negative HIV serology. Treatment with intravenous fluconazole resulted in rapid clinical improvement. This report underscores the importance of early immunological evaluation and genetic investigation in pediatric patients with atypical oral candidiasis.