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Prevention of Candida colonization prevents infection in a neonatal unit

J C Borderon1, M Therizol-Ferly, E Saliba

  • 1Unité de Pathologie Infectieuse Pédiatrique, Laboratoire de Mycologie, Groupement de Réanimation Pédiatrique et de Néonatologie, Centre de Pédiatrie Gatien-de-Clocheville, CHU de Tours, France. JC.Borderon@wanadoo.fr

Biology of the Neonate
|August 2, 2003
PubMed

Insights

This study monitored yeast colonization in newborns using established hygiene and nystatin treatment protocols. The findings support the effectiveness of these long-standing epidemiological principles in preventing and treating Candida infections in neonates.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Neonatal candidiasis is a significant concern, particularly in intensive care settings.
  • Effective surveillance and treatment strategies are crucial for managing yeast colonization in newborns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of a long-term, epidemiology-based surveillance and treatment protocol for yeast colonization in newborns.
  • To assess the incidence and sources of Candida colonization in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Main Methods:

  • A 1-year surveillance study (October 1998-September 1999) employing weekly yeast cultures of oral and anal swabs.
  • Treatment of all colonized newborns with oral nystatin.
  • Adherence to strict hygiene and handwashing protocols.

Main Results:

  • 23 out of 791 newborns (3%) showed Candida colonization.
  • Candida albicans was the most prevalent species (16 strains), followed by C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis.
  • Erythema of the buttocks was observed in 6 colonized infants; eradication of Candida occurred within 1 week.

Conclusions:

  • The established epidemiology-based principles, including nystatin treatment and hygiene, are effective in controlling Candida colonization in newborns.
  • Previous contamination, often from intensive care unit stays, was the primary source, not unit contamination.
  • The study supports the continued use of these guidelines for neonatal yeast management.

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