Study of clinical spectrum and risk factors of neonatal candidemia.

Abstract

Candida colonization in neonates results in significant morbidity and mortality. The prevalence and clinical significance of neonatal candidemia are poorly understood. This study aimed to study clinical spectrum and risk factors of neonatal candidemia. 108 cases of septicemia were studied. Blood samples were collected into Glucose broth and Bile broth, which are inoculated on Blood agar and MacConkey's agar and incubated at 37° C for 7 days. Candida species were isolated were confirmed by standard techniques. The data was collected and analyzed using by using SPSS IBM Company, Chicago, Version 16.0. 62 newborn patients who had a positive Candida blood culture. 47 (79.03%) were low birth weight and 37 (59.67%) were male. 19 (30.65%) were died. Candida species was a contributory factor to mortality in 14 (73.68%) patients. Among Candida isolates, Candida albicans was the commonest (65%) followed by Candida parapsilosis (15%) and Candida glabrata (10%). The risk factors like intrapartum use of antibiotics, vaginal delivery, low birth weight are identified in culture positive neonates. Candida species are assuming an increasing role in nosocomial infections in neonates and is associated with an increased risk of mortality.