Facial Cellulitis Caused by Candida Guilliermondi in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Rare Case Report

BACKGROUND: Candida cellulitis is a rare disease, primarily reported in immunocompromised patients. Atypical Candida spp. infections are increasing, largely due to the growing number of immunocompromised patients. This case report describes a 52-year-old immunocompetent patient with facial cellulitis caused by Candida guilliermondi. Candida guilliermondi has not previously been reported as a cause of facial cellulitis in either immunocompromised or immunocompetent patients. CASE PRESENTATION: A 52-year-old, otherwise healthy, male patient presented with facial cellulitis that did not respond to intravenous antibiotics. Culture of the drained pus revealed Candida guilliermondi. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous fluconazole. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the possibility of atypical Candida spp. causing deep facial infections in immunocompetent patients. Candida guilliermondi has not been previously reported as a cause of facial cellulitis in either immunocompromised or immunocompetent patients. Healthcare providers should consider atypical Candida spp. infections in the differential diagnosis of deep facial infections in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. LEARNING POINTS: Candida guilliermondi can cause facial cellulitis in immunocompetent patients. This has not been previously reported. Atypical Candida spp. infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis of deep facial infections in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. Healthcare providers should be aware of the increasing incidence of non-Candida albicans Candida species infections, especially in immunocompromised patients.