Abstract: Objective To report the first case of cervical lymphadenitis caused by Candida albicans in China.Methods A series of clinical,histopathologic.and mycologic studies were carried out in an 8 year-old-boy with cervical lymphadenitis,who had no definite underlying disease.Candida albicans was isolated from the patient.The lymph node was investigated by means of culture,pathological and transmission electron microscopic examination and cellular immunology detected by flow cytometer.Results There were several enlarged,warm,and fluctuant cervical lymph nodes which varied from 1cm×1cm to 4cm×4cm in size.One swollen node was excised,and Candida albicans was found in the culture.The histopathologic changes of the cervicallym phnode were compatible with chronic granulomatous disease.PAS and methenamine silver(PAM)stain of a touch preparation of the biopsy specimen revealed budding spores and pseudohyphae.Lymphopenia with aproportionate decrease of T-helper and T-suppressor cells was shown with flowcytometry.The patient received a combination therapy of surgery,flu conazole,thymosin and so on.After one month,the patient's condition was improved.Many small lymph nodes disappeared,large lymph nodes became smaller.Two months later,only one large lymph node could be touched.Conclusion It is the first case of cervical lymphad enitis caused by Candida reported in China.Combination therapy of surgery,fluconazole and thymosin is effective.

Key words: Candida albicans, Lymphadenitis