TITLE:
Candida Colonization among Neonates with Low Birth Weight: There Is Much More to Explore
AUTHORS:
Wilhelmina Mussa, Benard Modest, Adolfine Hokororo, Florentina Mashuda, Vitus Silago, Stephen E. Mshana, Martha F. Mushi
KEYWORDS:
Candida Colonization, C. albicans, C. glabrata, Oral
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.10 No.4,
November
30,
2020
ABSTRACT: Background and Objectives: Candida colonization in neonates with low
birth weight is reported to be the first step for invasive candidiasis. This
study was designed to describe the patterns of Candida spp. colonizing
neonates with low birth weight in Mwanza, Tanzania to provide baseline
information for future studies in this field. Methodology: The hospital
based cross sectional study was conducted between January 2019 and April 2019
among neonates with low birth weight. Clinical and social demographic data were
collected using interview guide questionnaire. Oral and umbilical rectal
swabs were collected on the first and seventh day of life to assess Candida spp. colonization
status. Data were analyzed using STATA version 13 following the study
objectives. Results: A total of 320 neonates with median body weight of
1600 [IQR 1000 - 2000] grams were enrolled. Prevalence of Candida spp.
colonization on either oral, umbilical or rectum was 16.2% (52/320). A total of
34 (10.6%) and 41 (12.8%) neonates were colonized by Candida spp. on the first day and seventh day of life, respectively. Of 34 neonates colonized
on the first day of life, 23 (67.7%) were still being colonized on the seventh
day. Candida albicans 38 (73.1%), was the predominant species detected followed by Candida glabrata 10 (19.2%). Conclusion: The prevalence of Candida spp.
colonization among neonates with low birth weight is within the reported range
and is mainly due to Candida albicans.
Future studies are highly needed to explore the role of colonization and
subsequent Candida spp. infections.