Seasonality of invasive Candida infection in neonates

AIM: To evaluate season of birth as a risk factor for the development of invasive Candida in our population of preterm low-birthweight infants. METHODS: Retrospective identification of Candida-positive blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures in infants < 32 wk over an 8-y period. RESULTS: There were 1400 admissions of infants < 32 wk gestation, of whom 52 (3.7%) developed invasive Candida infection. Thirty-eight of 52 (73%) occurred during the months September to February. CONCLUSIONS: It may be appropriate to consider seasonal associations when targeting selective antifungal chemoprophylaxis.