Neonatal candidosis

**Definition:** A condition affecting neonates, caused by an infection with the fungi Candida. This condition is characterised by apnoea, thrombocytopenia, or decreasing respiratory function or other symptoms depending on the site of infection. Transmission is vertical (from the mother to the baby). Confirmation is by identification of Candida in a blood or urine sample.

**Long 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.