Placenta, Candidal funisitis, PAS stain

Ascending infection is a major cause of premature labour and fetal morbidity and mortality. A rare cause of ascending infection in this setting is Candidiasis, which is important to recognize and comment on histologically as anti-fungal agents may be used in treatment. Grossly, Candidal infection can be recognized by the presence of small white nodules/plaques on the fetal surface and umbilical cord. Histologically, the location of microabcesses in the periphery of the cord, as well as the presence of budding yeast and pseudohyphae, are clues to the diagnosis. In this case, we see an example of frank funisitis with areas of inflammation in the periphery of the unbilical cord. Periodic acid-schiff (PAS) staining reveals the presence of fungal organisms with a morphology in keeping with Candida. Note that there is also acute chorioamnionitis present in the membrane roll.

This slide shows PAS stain. See Related Content for H&E stain.