Seasonality of invasive Candida infection in neonates.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate season of birth as a risk factor for the development of invasive Candida in our population of preterm low-birthweight infants.


METHODS
Retrospective identification of Candida-positive blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures in infants < 32 wk over an 8-y period.


RESULTS
There were 1400 admissions of infants < 32 wk gestation, of whom 52 (3.7%) developed invasive Candida infection. Thirty-eight of 52 (73%) occurred during the months September to February.


CONCLUSIONS
It may be appropriate to consider seasonal associations when targeting selective antifungal chemoprophylaxis.
Edi-Osagie
N E
NE
Regional Neonatal Medical Unit, St Mary's Hospital for Women and Children, Manchester, UK. ngozi.edi-osagie@cmmc.nhs.uk
Emmerson
A J B
AJ
D002177:Candidiasis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006771:Hospitals, Maternity; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons; D006113:United Kingdom