The Burden of Neonatal Invasive Candidiasis in Low- and Middle-income Countries: A Systematic Review and...

Invasive Candida infection remains a significant threat to neonates worldwide. Most evidence on neonatal invasive candidiasis (NIC) comes from high-income countries, leaving the burden and characteristics of NIC in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) poorly described. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, case-fatality rates (CFR), epidemiology, and etiology of NIC in LMICs.

We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analyses of all eligible studies in 17 databases published from inception until April 2022 focusing on microbiologically confirmed NIC in LMICs.

A total of 257 articles were included, with 10 994 NIC cases from 27 LMICs. The overall incidence rate was 2.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-3.0). Regional disparities were evident, with South-East Asia reporting the highest incidence rate (6.3%; 95% CI, 3.2-10.3). The mean gestational age and birth weight were 31.4 weeks (standard deviation, 3.3) and 1530 g (standard deviation, 644.6), respectively. Among 10 087 included isolates, the predominant species was C albicans (39.0%), followed by C parapsilosis (24.8%), with marked differences in species distribution across World Health Organization regions. Fluconazole was the most commonly used agent for NIC treatment (55.4%; 1567/2826). Overall, 24.8% (1128/6613) of isolates with available data were resistant to fluconazole. The pooled estimated CFR was 18.7% (95% CI, 15.5-22.1).

A higher NIC incidence rate and CFR in LMICs is noted compared to high-income countries, although infected babies were less premature with a higher birth weight. The proportion of fluconazole-resistant isolates was high. Prevention and treatment strategies for NIC need to be targeted to LMIC settings.