Incidence of Candida species colonization in neonatal intensive care unit at Riyadh Hospital, Saudi Arabia
Abstract: Candida species are
important hospital-acquired pathogens in infants admitted to the neonatal
intensive care unit (NICU). This study was performed in the NICU of Saudi
Arabian Hospital, Riyadh region, KSA to analyze patterns of neonatal Candida
colonization as well as to determine the potential risk factors.
Methods: Weekly surveillance fungal cultures of anal area, oral cavity, umbilicus
and ear canal of neonates were performed from birth until their discharge from
the hospital. Colonization was analyzed for timing, site, species, birth weight
and gestational age. Potential environmental reservoirs and hands of health
care workers (HCWs) were also cultured monthly for fungi. Antifungal
susceptibility of the identified isolates was also determined.
Results: One hundred subjects have been recruited in this study. The
overall colonization rate was 51%. Early colonization was found in 27 (27%)
neonates whereas 24 (24%) neonates were lately colonized during their stay in
NICU. Colonization was more in preterm neonates than in full and post term.
Perianal area and oral cavity were the most frequent colonized sites. C.
albicans was the main spp. (58.8%) isolated from the neonates followed by C.
tropicalis (17.6%), C. glabrata (15.6%), and C. krusei (2%). Of the 51 isolated
Candida spp., 68.6% were sensitive to fluconazole, 80% to itraconazole and
64.7% to ketoconazole, while only 33% were sensitive to amphotericin B.
Conclusion: Candida has emerged as a common cause of infections in
infants admitted to NICU, and C. albicans is the most commonly isolated
candidal species. Neonatal infections caused by non- albicans species occur at
a later age during their stay in NICU.
Author: Mohammed S. Alhussaini
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg160156
