Fungal Infections in Newborn

Abstract

Fungal agents are rarely considered as the causes of newborn's infections since bacteria are the most common causes. Despite that, fungal infections can be very serious, leading to high mortality rate. Late-onset fungal sepsis in VLBW newborns (BW < 1500 g) is more often than it was known before, the incidence possibly increased over time due to higher survival rate of these infants. In spite of that, decrease of such infections rate was shown. However, late-onset fungal sepsis should be expected in these infants, and active investigations should be performed. In the paper are described risk factors, defense mechanisms, particular fungal species, clinical presentation, modalities of treatment, characteristics of the drugs, complications and prevention of fungal sepsis in these infants. Also, the diagnosis of disseminated sepsis and criteria of successful treatment are presented. Prophylaxis of fungal colonization/infection by fluconazole in VLBW infants is proposed. Situation in Croatia concerning late-onset fungal sepsis in VLBW infants and possibilities of preventive and prophylactic measures are discussed.