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Published on: March 4, 2017

Candida parapsilosis infection in very low birthweight infants

L Clerihew1, T L Lamagni, P Brocklehurst

  • 1Department of Child Health, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK.

Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|March 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Candida parapsilosis causes a quarter of invasive fungal infections in very low birthweight infants. While less likely to cause deep infections than Candida albicans, it has similar mortality rates, necessitating ongoing surveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Neonatalogy
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) pose a significant threat to vulnerable populations, particularly very low birthweight (VLBW) infants.
  • Candida species are common causes of IFIs in neonatal intensive care units.
  • Understanding the epidemiology of specific Candida species is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the proportion of invasive fungal infections in VLBW infants caused by Candida parapsilosis.
  • To compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of IFIs caused by C. parapsilosis versus Candida albicans.
  • To highlight the need for continued surveillance of IFIs in VLBW infants.

Main Methods:

  • A UK national surveillance study was conducted.
  • Data on all cases of invasive fungal infection in VLBW infants were collected and analyzed.
  • Species identification and clinical data were reviewed.

Main Results:

  • Candida parapsilosis accounted for 25% of all IFIs in VLBW infants.
  • C. parapsilosis was associated with a lower incidence of deep-seated infections compared to C. albicans.
  • Mortality rates for C. parapsilosis and C. albicans were similar.

Conclusions:

  • Candida parapsilosis is a significant pathogen in VLBW infants, responsible for a substantial proportion of IFIs.
  • Despite differences in infection depth, C. parapsilosis carries a similar mortality risk to C. albicans in this population.
  • Continuous epidemiological surveillance is essential to monitor and manage IFIs in VLBW infants effectively.

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