Peripheral blood smear diagnosis of invasive candidiasis in a patient of myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasm treated with hypomethylating agent: A case report

Abstract

Patients with haematological malignancies undergoing treatment with hypomethylating agents are predisposed to opportunistic infections, including Candidiasis. We present the case of a 73-year-old female patient diagnosed with Myelodysplastic/Myeloproliferative neoplasms who was receiving a hypomethylating agent as part of her treatment regimen. During the course of her treatment, peripheral blood smear examination revealed the presence of budding yeast cells, consistent with Candida species. Subsequent culture confirmed the diagnosis of Candidiasis.The development of Candidiasis in patients with haematological malignancies receiving hypomethylating agents poses a significant clinical challenge due to overlapping symptoms with other infections and chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression. Peripheral smear examination serves as a rapid and cost-effective adjunctive diagnostic tool for the early detection of Candidiasis in these patients. Timely detection of Candidiasis in this population is critical for appropriate management and improved outcomes.