Investigation and risk factor analysis of nosocomial Candida pelliculosa fungemia in neonates

LIU Junbao; ZHU Xiufeng; XIE Peitao; YANG Feiyu; SU Changhai; HAO Duo

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-3827.2025.04.011

Abstract：Objective To analyze the outbreak of Candida pelliculosa fungemia in neonatal intensive care unit(NICU),explore the causes of the outbreak,and determine the relevant risk factors.Methods Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 14 neonates with Candida pelliculosa-associated bloodstream infection in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit(NICU)of Ordos Central Hospital,Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,between January 1,2016,and March 27,2020,as the exper-imental group.They were compared with 56 children without fungal infection(control group 1)and 18 children with candi-demia other than Candida pelliculosa(control group 2).The potential risk factors of Candida pelliculosa in newborns were analyzed.Through the monitoring of children,medical staff and the environment,the source of infection was determined.Results The risk factors of Candida pelliculosa fungemia include low birth weight,premature delivery,central venous catheterization,mechanical ventilation,surgery,broad-spectrum and the application of antibiotics.The risk factors had no significant difference between Candida pelliculosa infection and candidemia other than Candida pelliculosa.All patients were treated with fluconazole after definite diagnosis and were cured.No Candida pelliculosa was found in the hands of chil-dren,nurses or the environment,and the source of infection was not determined.Conclusions Candida pelliculosa is a relatively rare fungal pathogen in neonatal fungal infections,sharing similar risk factors with other Candida infections.Giv-en the unique vulnerability of neonates,healthcare workers must strictly implement infection control measures and remain particularly vigilant in monitoring potential outbreaks.