Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

A Catheter-Related Candida albicans Infection Model in Mouse
03:24

A Catheter-Related Candida albicans Infection Model in Mouse

Published on: March 22, 2024

Risk factors for persistent candidemia infection in a neonatal intensive care unit and its effect on mortality and

J A Robinson1, H D Pham, B T Bloom

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Wichita, KS, USA.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|November 15, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Delayed antifungal treatment in neonates increases the risk of persistent candidemia but not mortality. Early enteral feeding may reduce the risk of death from Candida bloodstream infections.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatric Critical Care

Background:

  • Neonatal Candida infections lead to significant illness and death.
  • Previous research suggested persistent candidemia did not increase mortality risk compared to shorter durations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if persistent candidemia in neonates is linked to longer hospital stays or increased mortality.
  • To identify risk factors for persistent candidemia and mortality in neonatal bloodstream infections.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 37 neonates with Candida bloodstream infections.
  • Analysis of demographic, laboratory, pharmacy, nutrition, and discharge data.
  • Statistical methods included logistic regression and k-sample equality of medians test.

Main Results:

  • 24% of neonates developed persistent candidemia.
  • A delay of over 1 day between blood culture and antifungal therapy increased persistent candidemia risk.
  • No deaths were attributed to persistent candidemia, and hospitalization length was not increased.
  • Decreased enteral feeding relative to hyperalimentation was associated with increased mortality.
  • Enteral feeding prior to the first positive blood culture reduced mortality risk.

Conclusions:

  • A delay in antifungal treatment >1 day elevates the risk of persistent candidemia in neonates.
  • Persistent candidemia in neonates is not associated with increased mortality.
  • Enteral nutrition may play a protective role against mortality in neonatal candidemia.

More Related Videos

An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract07:42

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

Published on: July 1, 2020

A Contemporary Warming/Restraining Device for Efficient Tail Vein Injections in a Murine Fungal Sepsis Model06:02

A Contemporary Warming/Restraining Device for Efficient Tail Vein Injections in a Murine Fungal Sepsis Model

Published on: November 6, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors 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...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development 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,...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus 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...