Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.22514/SV132.112017.10
The burden of Candida species colonization in NICU patients: a colonization surveillance study
DANIELA MARIA GERACI
; Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Maternal-Infant Care “G. D’Alessandro,” Hygiene Section, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
A. VIRGA
D. VECCHIO
G. GRAZIANO
L. SAPORITO
V. INSINGA
C.M. MAIDA
C. MAMMINA
M. GIUFFRÈ
Abstract
Fungal infections are an important cause
of morbidity and mortality in neonatal
intensive care units (NICUs). The identification
of specific risk factors supports prevention
of candidemia in neonates. Effective
prophylactic strategies have recently
become available, but the identification
and adequate management of high-risk infants
is still a priority. Prior colonization is
a key risk factor for candidemia. For this
reason, surveillance studies to monitor incidence,
species distribution, and antifungal
susceptibility profiles, are mandatory.
Among 520 infants admitted to our NICU
between January 2013 and December
2014, 472 (90.77%) were included in the
study. Forty-eight out of 472 (10.17%) patients
tested positive for Candida spp. (C.),
at least on one occasion. All the colonized
patients tested positive for the rectal swab,
whereas 7 patients also tested positive for
the nasal swab. Fifteen out of 472 patients
(3.18%) had more than one positive rectal
or nasal swab during their NICU stay.
Moreover, 9 out of 15 patients tested negative
at the first sampling, suggesting they
acquired Candida spp. during their stay.
Twenty-five of forty-eight (52.1%) colonized
patients carried C.albicans and 15/48
(31.25%) C.parapsilosis. We identified as
risk factors for Candida spp. colonization:
antibiotic therapy, parenteral nutrition,
the use of a central venous catheter, and
nasogastric tube. Our experience suggests
that effective microbiological surveillance
can allow for implementing proper, effective
and timely control measures in a highrisk
setting.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
190600
URI
Publication date:
12.12.2017.
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