Emphysematous Pyelonephritis Caused by Candida Parapsilosis: An Unknown Etiological Agent

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) a rare complication commonly seen in diabetic patients is a necrotising gas producing infection of the renal parenchyma and perinephric tissue predominantly caused by uropathogenic bacteria. Fungi have been rarely reported as the etiological agents, isolated from blood and/ or urine culture. We report a case of EPN caused by a rare etiological agent. A 60 year old diabetic female with no previous history of hospitalization presented to us with a short history of febrile illness associated with abdominal pain. Investigations revealed unilateral EPN “Wan type 1”. Patient was treated with systemic antifungal therapy as per culture sensitivity and it alone proved to be an effective treatment of this clinically difficult condition. Patient was discharged in a satisfactory clinical condition. A rare etiology should always be kept in mind while evaluating a case of EPN.