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Updated: Sep 13, 2025
An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Published on: July 1, 2020
Addressing the silent threat: managing invasive Candida infections in hospitalized newborns
Deshuang Zhang1,2, Dongke Xie3, Haokun Yuan1
1Department of Neonatology, Children's Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
Abstract:
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) remain an important problem for hospitalized newborn infants receiving intensive care, given their substantial morbidity and mortality. Candida species (Candida spp.) are the major fungal pathogens, which cause the so-called invasive Candida infections (ICIs). Of these, Candida albicans is the most commonly isolated species, followed by Candida parapsilosis. Other identified Candida spp. include Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, etc. However, an increasing shift in the epidemiology of ICIs worldwide has been described, non-albicans Candida (NAC) spp. ICIs pose a growing threat to neonates. Herein, we examine the epidemiology of Candida spp. infections, patterns of antifungal resistance, risk factors, prevention strategies, clinical outcomes, and treatment recommendations for ICIs in hospitalized newborn infants. This review aims to provide a thorough understanding of the current evidence on ICIs to better inform targeted prevention strategies and improved treatments to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality.
Insights
Invasive candidiasis in neonates is a significant concern, with non-albicans Candida species posing a growing threat. This review covers epidemiology, resistance, and strategies to reduce infant mortality.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Invasive fungal infections (IFIs), particularly invasive Candida infections (ICIs), cause significant morbidity and mortality in critically ill neonates.
- Candida species are the primary fungal pathogens, with Candida albicans historically dominant, but non-albicans Candida (NAC) species are emerging as a significant threat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology of Candida species infections in hospitalized neonates.
- To examine antifungal resistance patterns, risk factors, and prevention strategies for ICIs.
- To provide an overview of clinical outcomes and treatment recommendations for neonatal ICIs.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on invasive Candida infections in neonates.
- Analysis of epidemiological data, antifungal susceptibility, and clinical outcomes.
- Synthesis of current evidence on risk factors, prevention, and treatment.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans is common, but there is a concerning global shift towards non-albicans Candida species causing ICIs in neonates.
- Antifungal resistance patterns vary, necessitating ongoing surveillance.
- Identification of key risk factors and evaluation of various prevention and treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- Invasive candidiasis remains a critical challenge in neonatal intensive care.
- The increasing prevalence of NAC species requires updated management strategies.
- Targeted prevention and improved treatment are essential to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality from ICIs.
