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Fungi, predominantly candida species, are important causes of infection in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are usually preceded by colonization with the same species. In a case-control chart-review study, researchers in Italy examined the variables that increase IFI risk in fungus-colonized neonates.
The researchers identified 201 very-low-birth-weight (<1500 g) infants who were admitted to a Turin NICU from 1998 through 2005 and were diagnosed with fungal colonization. Colonization was determined by isolation of fungus from any site. (Ear-canal cultures were performed at birth. Surveillance cultures were performed weekly on samples of ≥3 types, including gastric aspirate, stool or rectal swab, naso…