Neonatal candidiasis

Neonatal candidiasis is a fungal infection that occurs in newborns, caused by the Candida species. This condition is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units worldwide.

Etiology

The Candida species, particularly Candida albicans, is the primary cause of neonatal candidiasis. These yeast organisms are part of the normal microflora of the human body but can cause infection when the immune system is compromised or when the normal balance of microflora is disrupted.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors contribute to the development of neonatal candidiasis. These include premature birth, low birth weight, prolonged hospitalization, use of antibiotics, and use of invasive devices such as central venous catheters and endotracheal tubes.

Clinical Manifestations

Neonatal candidiasis can present in various forms, including mucocutaneous candidiasis, candidemia, and disseminated candidiasis. Symptoms may vary depending on the form of the disease but can include fever, irritability, poor feeding, and respiratory distress.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of neonatal candidiasis is often challenging due to the nonspecific nature of the symptoms. It typically involves a combination of clinical assessment, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Laboratory tests may include blood culture, urine culture, and fungal culture. Imaging studies such as ultrasound and computed tomography may be used to identify any internal organ involvement.

Treatment

Treatment of neonatal candidiasis involves the use of antifungal medication, primarily amphotericin B and fluconazole. The choice of medication and duration of treatment depend on the severity of the infection and the specific Candida species causing the infection.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for neonatal candidiasis include strict adherence to infection control practices in neonatal intensive care units, judicious use of antibiotics, and early removal of invasive devices whenever possible.

See Also

• Candidiasis
• Neonatal infection
• Neonatal intensive care unit

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