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Category: Volume 07 Issue 06 June 2019
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Title: Fungal infection in a tertiary care level III NICU: A Review

Authors: Dr Kush D Jhunjhunwala, Dr Gurmeet Singh Sarla

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i6.55

Abstract

Introduction

Candida infections are an increasing cause of septicemia in neonatal ICUs.  Approximately 20% of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) (birth weight <1,500 g) preterm infants experience a serious systemic infection during their initial hospital stay (a).  Preterm infants are predisposing to the Candida infections because of immaturity of their immune system and invasive interventions.  

Candida species are the 3rd most frequent organism (after coagulase negative Staph. and Staph. Aureus) isolated in the late- onset sepsis in very low birth weight infants(I.e.<1500 g) The rate of fungal sepsis is lower in full-term infants; however the overall morbidity and mortality from disseminated candidiasis are very high, often approaching 25% to 54% respectively.

Neonates may acquire Candida by vertical or nosocomial transmission. In vertical transmission, acquisition may occur either during gestation or at the time of delivery. In both cases an ascending route from the mother's vagina is involved. Vaginal candidiasis occurs frequently among pregnant women, especially in the last trimester. Fungal infection in newborn is also an important cause of nosocomial infection in NICU, the incidence being 2.8-12.9%. However, there is an 11 fold increase in the incidence of the same in the last decade.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Gurmeet Singh Sarla

Senior Advisor Surgery, Military Hospital Devlali, Devlali Cantt, Nasik, Maharashtra. Pin 422401