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[Colonization by Candida in a neonatal intensive care unit]

Amilcar Caballero-Trejo1, Carlos Eduardo Aguirre-Morales, Gloria M González-González

  • 1Unidad de Vigilancia Epidemiológica, Hospital de Ginecología y Obstetricia "Doctor Ignacio Morones Prieto", Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México. guadalupe.miranda@terra.com.mx.

Revista Medica Del Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social
|July 2, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Candida colonization affects 40% of neonates in intensive care units, with Candida parapsilosis being the most common. Healthcare staff hands frequently carried Candida, highlighting infection control needs.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatal Care

Background:

  • Candida infections and fungemia are increasing, with prior colonization as a key risk factor.
  • Understanding local Candida epidemiology is crucial for effective antifungal treatment selection.
  • Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are vulnerable settings for Candida colonization and infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Candida colonization in NICU patients.
  • To assess Candida colonization on healthcare staff hands.
  • To identify Candida species colonizing medical devices within the NICU.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study design.
  • Collection of cultures from patient sites, medical devices, and staff hands.
  • Identification of Candida species and antifungal susceptibility testing (amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, caspofungin).

Main Results:

  • Overall Candida colonization rate in NICU patients was 40% (24% at admission, 15% acquired during stay).
  • Healthcare staff hands showed high colonization rates (55% positive cultures).
  • Candida parapsilosis (59%) was the predominant species, followed by Candida albicans (26%).

Conclusions:

  • Candida colonization is a significant issue in NICU patients and a common finding on healthcare worker hands.
  • Candida parapsilosis is the primary species responsible for colonization in this NICU setting.
  • Antifungal resistance was limited, with resistance to itraconazole observed in only 13% of strains.
Keywords:
CandidaInfant newbornIntensive care

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