Fungal infections in neonates: update on prevention and treatment

Neonates with gastrointestinal diseases and extremely preterm infants are at highest risk for developing invasive fungal infections. Candida species are commensal organisms that colonize skin and mucosal surfaces as well as adhere to catheter surfaces. Due to the immature immune system of neonates i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inMinerva ginecologica Vol. 59; no. 3; p. 311
Main Author Kaufman, D A
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Italy 01.06.2007
Subjects
Amphotericin B - therapeutic use
Antifungal Agents - therapeutic use
Candida - drug effects
Candidiasis - diagnosis
Candidiasis - drug therapy
Candidiasis - microbiology
Candidiasis - prevention & control
Drug Therapy, Combination
Echinocandins
Fluconazole - therapeutic use
Fungal Proteins - therapeutic use
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Mycoses - drug therapy
Mycoses - prevention & control
Peptides, Cyclic - therapeutic use
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Neonates with gastrointestinal diseases and extremely preterm infants are at highest risk for developing invasive fungal infections. Candida species are commensal organisms that colonize skin and mucosal surfaces as well as adhere to catheter surfaces. Due to the immature immune system of neonates including compromise of the developing barrier defenses of the skin or mucosal membranes, Candida can invade into the bloodstream and disseminate, often making these infections difficult to eradicate. Treatment of bloodstream infections uniquely involves both starting antifungal therapy and removing central venous catheters. Liposomal amphotericin formulations and echinochandins are currently being studied in neonates. Prevention for high risk patients is now feasible with fluconazole prophylaxis.
ISSN:0026-4784