Placental candidiasis: report of three cases with a review of the literature

Three new cases of placental candidiasis are reported. Two were associated with fetal cutaneous candidiasis and one with fetal systemic candidiasis. The systemic case was associated with an intrauterine contraceptive device. Infection of the placenta results in small 'granulomata' under the surface of the cord and a diffuse chorioamnionitis of the membranes and chorionic plate. In reviewing the 24 previously reported cases it can be seen that systemic Candida infection of the fetus results in prematurity and death, infection can occur across intact membranes, and systemic candidiasis in the fetus is likely to be associated with an intrauterine device.