Background

Neonatal sepsis attributable to Candida species represents a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality within neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The emergence of non-albicans Candida (NAC) species, coupled with heightened antifungal resistance and frequent involvement of multiple organ systems, presents novel therapeutic challenges, particularly in resource-constrained environments.

Methods

This prospective observational study was executed in the NICU of a tertiary care center at Lucknow, from January 2023 to July 2024. Neonates exhibiting symptoms suggestive of sepsis were meticulously screened, and those with culture-confirmed Candida infections (from blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or urine) were incorporated into the study. Clinical manifestations, risk factors, species distribution, antifungal susceptibility, organ involvement, and outcomes were systematically analyzed.

Results

Among 1,356 NICU admissions, 596 neonates were assessed for sepsis, with 62 (4.57%) yielding positive cultures for Candida. The mean gestational age of affected neonates was 34.63 ± 4.50 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 1,970.48 ± 974.77 g. A majority were preterm (53.2%) and low birth weight (<2,500 g; 67.7%), confirming the inverse association between gestational maturity, birth weight, and risk of invasive Candida infection. NAC species comprised 85.9% of the isolates, with C. tropicalis (23.4%) and C. utilis (20.3%) being the most prevalent. Multiple organ involvement was documented in 16.1% of neonates, with the renal (14.5%) and pulmonary (19.3%) systems being the most frequently affected. Resistance to fluconazole was observed in 37.5% of cases, whereas caspofungin exhibited 100% sensitivity. The overall mortality rate was 14.6%, with C. auris disproportionately contributing to fatalities.

Conclusion

Neonatal Candida sepsis is increasingly characterized by non-albicans species, marked by considerable antifungal resistance and frequent organ involvement. Prompt suspicion, systematic organ screening, and species-specific antifungal therapy are imperative in mitigating mortality rates.