Genotyping and Antifungal Susceptibility of Dipodascus capitatus Isolated in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a Sicilian Hospital

Background: Candida species are important hospital-acquired pathogens in infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This study was performed in the NICU of Saudi Arabian Hospital, Riyadh region, KSA to analyze patterns of neonatal Candida colonization as well as to determine the potential risk factors.Methods: Weekly surveillance fungal cultures of anal area, oral cavity, umbilicus and ear canal of neonates were performed from birth until their discharge from the hospital. Colonization was analyzed for timing, site, species, birth weight and gestational age. Potential environmental reservoirs and hands of health care workers (HCWs) were also cultured monthly for fungi. Antifungal susceptibility of the identified isolates was also determined.Results: One hundred subjects have been recruited in this study. The overall colonization rate was 51%. Early colonization was found in 27 (27%) neonates whereas 24 (24%) neonates were lately colonized during their stay in NICU. Colonization was more in preterm neonates than in full and post term. Perianal area and oral cavity were the most frequent colonized sites. C. albicans was the main spp. (58.8%) isolated from the neonates followed by C. tropicalis (17.6%), C. glabrata (15.6%), and C. krusei (2%). Of the 51 isolated Candida spp., 68.6% were sensitive to fluconazole, 80% to itraconazole and 64.7% to ketoconazole, while only 33% were sensitive to amphotericin B.Conclusion: Candida has emerged as a common cause of infections in infants admitted to NICU, and C. albicans is the most commonly isolated candidal species. Neonatal infections caused by non- albicans species occur at a later age during their stay in NICU.

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Non albicans Candidemia: an emerging menace in neonatal intensive care unit

International Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ◽

10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20180531 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 436

Author(s):

Chandrashekar G. Shettigar ◽

Sanchita Shettigar

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care Unit ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ◽

High Mortality ◽

Neonatal Intensive Care ◽

Very Low Birth Weight ◽

Antifungal Susceptibility ◽

Resistant Organism ◽

In Vitro Susceptibility

Background: Candidemia has become an increasingly major problem in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) which is associated with high mortality and morbidity. In this study we evaluated the epidemiology of Candidemia in neonates who were admitted to NICU and their in vitro susceptibility to commonly used antifungal drugs.Methods: This was a retrospective study of candidemia in NICU from October 2014 to September 2017. The isolates were identified as per standard mycological techniques and antifungal susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion method.Results: Out of 563 blood culture analyzed, 54(9.59%) culture yielded Candida in their blood. The non albicans Candida (NAC) species were the predominant organism for candidemia in neonates, accounting for 35 (64.81%) and the remaining 19 (35.18%) isolates were of C. albicans. Among the NAC species, the maximum isolates were of C. krusei (31.48%) followed by C. glabrata (22.22%). Non albican Candida were more resistant to azole group of antifungal, especially commonly used antifungal like fluconazole (51.43%). Among NAC species, C. glabrata was most resistant and C. tropicalis was least resistant organism. Prematurity <34 weeks, very low birth weight (<1500gm), prolonged use of broad spectrum antibiotic therapy, prolonged use of central venous catheter, mechanical ventilation, parenteral nutrition, prolonged NICU stays and concomitant bacterial sepsis were significantly associated with Candida infection in blood stream. NAC species were also associated with high mortality rate.Conclusions: Increased incidences of candidemia along with emergence of NAC species have become an important health care issue. Therefore, knowledge of local epidemiological data on candidemia is essential which will guide on therapeutic decision making.

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The Psychosocial Aspects of Feeding in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Beyond

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2019_persp-19-00097 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (6) ◽

pp. 1507-1515

Author(s):

Lauren L. Madhoun ◽

Robert Dempster

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care Unit ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ◽

Hospital Discharge ◽

Neonatal Intensive Care ◽

Oral Feeding ◽

Medical Attention ◽

Primary Role ◽

Speech Language Pathologists ◽

The Family

Purpose Feeding challenges are common for infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). While sufficient oral feeding is typically a goal during NICU admission, this can be a long and complicated process for both the infant and the family. Many of the stressors related to feeding persist long after hospital discharge, which results in the parents taking the primary role of navigating the infant's course to ensure continued feeding success. This is in addition to dealing with the psychological impact of having a child requiring increased medical attention and the need to continue to fulfill the demands at home. In this clinical focus article, we examine 3 main areas that impact psychosocial stress among parents with infants in the NICU and following discharge: parenting, feeding, and supports. Implications for speech-language pathologists working with these infants and their families are discussed. A case example is also included to describe the treatment course of an infant and her parents in the NICU and after graduation to demonstrate these points further. Conclusion Speech-language pathologists working with infants in the NICU and following hospital discharge must realize the family context and psychosocial considerations that impact feeding progression. Understanding these factors may improve parental engagement to more effectively tailor treatment approaches to meet the needs of the child and family.

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