Invasive fungal infection occurring in low birthweight infants.
A national surveillance study has been launched to look at the rate of invasive fungal infection in low birthweight infants. The survey has been prompted by the rise in morbidity and mortality in pre-term infants caused by candida. The rate of fungal infection is estimated to be about 2 in 100 babies who are born at a weight below 1,500 g (Saiman et al, 2000; Stoll et al, 1996). It is likely that the increasing incidence is due to the improved survival rates of these very young babies. Fifteen years ago very premature babies would have been of 29-30 weeks' gestation--currently they are more likely to be aged 25-26 weeks. But their extreme prematurity means that they need more invasive and intensive care.
Godfrey
Kathryn
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D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017053:Infection Control / Q000592:standards; D009181:Mycoses / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012307:Risk Factors; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology