Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
09:27
Generation of Fluorescent Protein Fusions in Candida Species
Published on: March 4, 2017
Outcomes attributable to neonatal candidiasis.
Theoklis E Zaoutis1, Kateri Heydon, Russell Localio
1Division of Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. zaoutis@email.chop.edu
Summary
Invasive candidiasis significantly increases mortality and costs in extremely low birth weight neonates. For larger neonates, it leads to longer hospital stays and higher costs but not increased mortality.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Healthcare Economics
Background:
- Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) face rising rates of candidiasis.
- Invasive candidiasis in neonates causes significant morbidity and mortality.
- Limited data exist on outcomes directly attributed to neonatal candidiasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the incidence of systemic candidiasis in hospitalized US neonates.
- To determine the attributable mortality, length of hospital stay, and costs.
- To analyze outcomes stratified by birth weight, focusing on extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the 2003 Kid's Inpatient Database for analysis.
- Defined systemic candidiasis and comorbidities using ICD-9-CM codes.
- Employed propensity score methods to balance covariates, with separate analyses for ELBW neonates (<1000g).
Main Results:
- Overall incidence of invasive candidiasis: 15 per 10,000 neonatal admissions.
- ELBW neonates with candidiasis had a 2.2-fold increased mortality risk (11.9% attributable mortality) and $39,045 in excess charges.
- Neonates >1000g with candidiasis experienced a 16-day longer stay and $122,302 in excess charges, without increased mortality.
Conclusions:
- Invasive candidiasis significantly elevates death risk and hospital charges in ELBW neonates.
- For neonates weighing >=1000g, candidiasis increases hospital stay duration and costs but not mortality.
- Findings highlight the substantial burden of neonatal candidiasis, particularly in vulnerable ELBW infants.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by opportunistic species of Candida. It can affect various anatomical sites, including the skin, oral cavity, nails, and genitourinary tract. Among its forms, vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of mucosal infection. It typically results from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, C. albicans exists as a commensal organism within the vaginal microbiota, regulated by the dominance of lactobacilli, which...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
01:27Cytomegalovirus Disease
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...