[Eradication of Candida from a premature infant unit]

To eradicate Candida from a neonatal unit the authors used increasingly strigent protocols of prophylaxis and treatment. Finally all carriers were identified and treated with nystatin. A strict routine for washing hands was introduced. As a result of these measures the cross infection rate within the hospital was very low (3%). The eradication was maintained by constant surveillance (weekly oral and rectal swabs) because of regular reintroduction of Candida by babies who had been infected before transfer to the unit. The other conclusions were that post natal infection is usually due to cross infection and rarely from mother. The gut and perianal skin are important reservoirs of infection. Erythema of the buttocks almost disappeared after the eradication of Candida. Guteal erythema commonly preceded of manifestations of Leiner's disease.