Study of Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Clinical Spectrum for Neonatal Candidemia at Tertiary Care Hospital in North India

Candida colonization is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study was to evaluate isolation rate, risk factors and clinical spectrum for neonatal candidemia. A descriptive study was conducted between March 2016 and August 2017. During this period, a total of 426 blood cultures were received from NICU. Out of which, 44 isolates showed the growth of Candida spp. In our study previous use of antibiotics and intravenous catheterization was reported in 100% cases. Among the maternal risk factors- vaginal delivery and intrapartum use of antibiotics were found to be the major risk factors for neonatal candidemia. Candida spp. are increasing in nosocomial infections day by day, so preventive measures such as appropriate use of multiple invasive medical devices and a restrictive policy of antibiotic use should be followed to decrease Candida colonization rates.