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[Cutaneous colonization by Malassezia spp. in neonates]

T Juncosa Morros1, A González-Cuevas, J Alayeto Ortega

  • 1Servicio de Microbiología. Hospital Sant Joan de Déu. Barcelona. España. tjuncosa@hsjgvcn.org

Anales Espanoles De Pediatria
|December 7, 2002
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) infants show high Malassezia yeast colonization rates, especially with central venous catheter (CVC) use. This highlights the urgent need for preventive strategies to avoid neonatal sepsis.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Malassezia spp. is a common skin yeast, but can cause sepsis in patients with central venous catheters (CVCs).
  • Infant colonization rates are high in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), unlike in older children.
  • Premature infants in the NICU are particularly susceptible to Malassezia colonization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the colonization rate of Malassezia yeasts in infants admitted to the NICU.
  • To identify risk factors associated with Malassezia colonization in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective observational study was conducted over nine months in a NICU.
  • Colonization was assessed in all admitted infants.
  • Factors evaluated included length of stay, birth weight, and use of CVC for parenteral fat infusion.

Main Results:

  • Seventy-seven neonates were studied; 63.6% had low birth weight (<2,500g).
  • Central venous catheter use for fat emulsion was common (72%).
  • The overall Malassezia colonization rate was 41.5%, with 75% colonized within two weeks of admission.

Conclusions:

  • High rates of Malassezia colonization in NICU infants underscore the risk of fungal sepsis.
  • Preventive measures are crucial to reduce yeast transmission and prevent sepsis in immunocompromised neonates.

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