prevalence of candidemia in high-risk neonates of neonatal intensive care unit -a one-year cross sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Fungal sepsis in neonates is on rise among blood stream infection, it is the third most common etiological agent for sepsis and the changing epidemiology to non-albicans Candida is grossly evident. Fungal isolates are showing azole resistance which were the most common prophylactic treatment used, now made treatment choices difficult for neonate ICU clinicians. Newer class of antifungal drugs especially Echinocandins (Caspofungin) came into real time practice in azole resistant Candida causing sepsis. Objective:

1. To study the prevalence of Candidemia in high-risk neonates of NICU

2. To study Caspofungin (Echinocandin) antifungal susceptibility in Fluconazole resistant Candida isolates by E test / MIC test strip method.