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Review
. 2015 Mar;42(1):105-17, viii-ix.
doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2014.10.008. Epub 2014 Nov 28.

The epidemiology and diagnosis of invasive candidiasis among premature infants

Matthew S Kelly  1 , Daniel K Benjamin Jr  2 , P Brian Smith  1
Affiliations
Review

The epidemiology and diagnosis of invasive candidiasis among premature infants

Matthew S Kelly et al. Clin Perinatol. 2015 Mar.

Abstract

Invasive candidiasis is a leading infectious cause of morbidity and mortality in premature infants. Improved recognition of modifiable risk factors and antifungal prophylaxis has contributed to the recent decline in the incidence of this infection among infants. Invasive candidiasis typically occurs in the first 6 weeks of life and presents with nonspecific signs of sepsis. Definitive diagnosis relies on the growth of Candida in blood culture or cultures from other normally sterile sites, but this may identify fewer than half of cases. Improved diagnostics are needed to guide the initiation of antifungal therapy in premature infants.

Keywords: Candida; Neonatal candidiasis; Premature infants; Risk factors.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest:

Dr. Benjamin receives support from the United States government for his work in pediatric and neonatal clinical pharmacology (1R01HD057956-05, 1K24HD058735-05, UL1TR001117, and NICHD contract HHSN275201000003I) and the nonprofit organization Thrasher Research Fund for his work in neonatal candidiasis (www.thrasherresearch.org); he also receives research support from industry for neonatal and pediatric drug development (www.dcri.duke.edu/research/coi.jsp).

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Pathophysiology of invasive candidiasis in premature neonates.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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