Background: In neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) invasive fungal infections are predominantly supported by Candida species, with an increasing frequency of C. non-albicans. This work aims to demonstrate the need for monitoring of these infections for the purposes of a more effective prevention strategy.
Methods: This study, conducted for 15 months on 365 patients admitted to the NICU of the University Hospital "Federico II" of Naples, examines the colonization and nosocomial infections by Candida species in relation to the most significant risk factors such as prematurity, low birth weight and the application of relief devices.
Results: It was detected a statistically significant association between infections and pharyngeal colonization (p = 0.002), gestational age <28 weeks (p = 0.001) and central venous catheterization (p = 0.01). 12% of the 336 patients cared for more than 48 hours had pharyngeal colonization by Candida spp, especially C. albicans, while 2% develops sepsis due to C. parapsilosis.
Conclusions: The results demonstrate the importance and validity of the procedures used for the surveillance of infections in NICU.