FUNGAL PNEUMONIA: A CASE OF RECURRENT RESPIRATORY INFECTION IN AN ELDERLY WOMAN

Background: Candida species are commonly isolated from respiratory specimens, yet true Candida pneumonia remains rare and difficult to diagnose. Accurate identification is particularly challenging in non-immunocompromised individuals.Case Presentation:We report a case of a 75-year-old Saudi woman with hypothyroidism, a large goiter, and a prior COVID-19 infection, presenting with recurrent respiratory failure initially misdiagnosed as bronchial asthma. Radiological findings revealed diffuse bilateral ground-glass opacities. Despite initial empirical antibiotics, her condition did not improve.Intervention:A multidisciplinary team including a clinical pharmacist suspected fungal pneumonia and recommended empirical antifungal treatment. Fungal hyphae were later confirmed in sputum cytology, and fungal culture supported the diagnosis.Outcome: The patient showed rapid clinical improvement following antifungal therapy. Radiographic and symptomatic resolution was observed, confirming the diagnosis of Candida pneumonia.Conclusion:This case highlights the importance of considering fungal pathogens in patients with recurrent pneumonia unresponsive to antibiotics, even in the absence of classical immunosuppression. Early clinical pharmacist involvement may facilitate timely diagnosisand improve outcomes.Candidiasis is an infection caused by Candida species, most commonly Candida albicans. True Candida pneumonia is rare. Our aim is to report a case of Candida pneumonia who experienced recurrent pneumonia after Covid19 infection.Case Summary: This case details a 75-year-old Saudi female with hypothyroidism and a large goiter, presenting with recurrent severe respiratory symptoms, including exertional dyspnea and wheezing, leading to multiple hospital admissions for pneumonia and respiratory failure, previously managed as bronchial asthma. Extensive bilateral lung opacities and ground-glass alterations were found on imaging and examination after readmission with severe discomfort. Initial investigations came back inconclusive, and differential diagnosis was thought less likely. After multidisciplinary evaluation, a Fungal Pneumonia: A Case Of Recurrent Respiratory Infection In An Elderly WomanVol.32 No. 06 (2025) JPTCP(1521-1526)Page | 1522clinical pharmacist suspected fungal pneumonia and advised empirical antifungal medication, which greatly improved patient condition. Fungal hyphae and organism were confirmed by later sputum cytology and fungal culture, therefore identifying fungal pneumonia as the source of her repeatedsevere respiratory problemConclusion:Although Candida should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis for lung infection, it hardly causes clinically severe pneumonia in people.