Neonatal candidosis

Definition

Neonatal candidosis (candidiasis) is caused by a fungal pathogen, usually Candida albicans. Coloniozation of the genital and intestinal tract is common, and the organism is transmitted from the mother to the fetus during passage through an infected birth canal, or transmitted postnatally through hand/breast contact. Symptoms are present after a few days or weeks following birth. This can include thrush, candida diaper dermatitis, oral candidosis, erythematous weeping patches with lesions, or peripheral scaling. Systemic infection is more common in the very premature or immunosupressed infant.

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