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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
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An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract

Published on: July 1, 2020

Fungal infections in neonates: update on prevention and treatment

D A Kaufman1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. dak4r@virginia.edu

Minerva Ginecologica
|June 20, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Neonates, especially extremely preterm infants, face high risks of invasive fungal infections from Candida. Fluconazole prophylaxis offers a feasible prevention strategy for these vulnerable infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Neonates, particularly those with gastrointestinal issues and extreme prematurity, are highly susceptible to invasive fungal infections.
  • Candida species, common commensals, can cause disseminated infections in neonates due to immature immune systems and compromised barrier defenses.
  • Catheter surfaces provide a nidus for Candida colonization and subsequent bloodstream invasion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the risks and management of invasive Candida infections in neonates.
  • To highlight current and emerging treatment strategies for neonatal candidiasis.
  • To emphasize the role of antifungal prophylaxis in high-risk neonates.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on neonatal invasive fungal infections.
  • Analysis of Candida species' pathogenesis in the neonatal population.
  • Evaluation of current and investigational antifungal therapies and prophylactic measures.

Main Results:

  • Invasive fungal infections, primarily Candida, pose a significant threat to high-risk neonates.
  • Successful treatment requires a combination of antifungal agents and central venous catheter removal.
  • Liposomal amphotericin formulations and echinocandins are under investigation for neonatal use.
  • Fluconazole prophylaxis has emerged as a viable preventive strategy.

Conclusions:

  • Invasive Candida infections are a serious concern in vulnerable neonates.
  • Antifungal therapy combined with catheter removal is crucial for treating bloodstream infections.
  • Antifungal prophylaxis with fluconazole is effective in preventing invasive fungal infections in high-risk neonates.

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