Candida tropicalis has been identified as the most prevalent pathogenic yeast species of the Candida-non-albicans group. Historically, Candida albicans has been the major species responsible for causing candidiasis in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. However, infections (candidiasis) due to C. tropicalis have increased dramatically on a global scale thus proclaiming this organism to be an emerging pathogenic yeast. The reasons for this organism's dominance and its resistance to fluconazole have been difficult to elucidate. In addition, the mechanism of this organism's pathogenicity and the consequent immune response remain to be clarified. This paper describes certain predisposing factors potentially responsible for these characteristics and presents a 'root cause analysis' to explain the increasing prevalence of C. tropicalis in developed and undeveloped countries, as well as the organism's acquired drug resistance. Control measures against fluconazole resistance in clinical management have also been discussed.

Fetus in fetu is a rare disorder. Its embryopathogensis and differentiation from teratoma has not been well established. It is a parasitic twin of a diamniotic monozygotic twin. Here we report, two cases of fetus in fetu with review of literature. In case report 1, a 2-year-old boy was referred for asymptomatic lump in abdomen since birth. X-ray showed the mass in the abdomen with some calcification and fluid inside. CT scan reported a heterogenous mass in the retroperitoneum with bony malformation. CT showed presence of three vertebrae in it. After surgically excising the mass and opening the sac it showed presence of trunk and two limbs with one of the limbs having a nail. Histopathology showed presence of GI tract. In case report 2, 4 month female was found to have lump in the abdomen by housemaid while bathing. X-ray showed a soft tissue shadow while ultrasonography revealed cystic mass arising from right kidney. CT suggested cystic mass with calcification not arising from kidney. During exploration whole mass was excised and there was frank fetus inside it. Histopathology confirmed presence of four vertebral bodies with germ layers. Although fetus in fetu is rare condition, correct diagnosis using imaging can be made before surgery. Complete excision is curative.

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Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a rare etiology of hypercalcemia-induced pancreatitis, contributing about 0.4% to 1.5% of cases in the general population and up to 13% of cases during pregnancy. PHPT that occurs during pregnancy is a challenging diagnosis as the physiological changes in calcium homeostasis mask the symptoms of hypercalcemia. PHPT during pregnancy often remains undiagnosed and untreated, and may result in serious clinical implications for the mother and fetus. Most clinicians consider surgery within the second trimester of pregnancy as the treatment of choice in this group of patients. This article refers to a case of a 24-year married woman in whom PHPT was diagnosed for the first time in postpartum period. She succumbed to complications on Day 20 postpartum. Pathological findings revealed metastatic calcification in lungs, pancreas and uterine vessels, chronic pancreatitis and renal cortical necrosis.