When to Suspect Fungal Infection in Neonates: A Clinical Comparison of<i>Candida albicans</i>and<i>Candida parapsilosis</i>Fungemia With Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcal Bacteremia

Abstract

In this retrospective review, we were able to identify aspects of the clinical presentation and medication history that may be helpful in differentiating between candidemia and CoNS bacteremia. Those key features may be used by clinicians to initiate empiric amphotericin B therapy in premature neonates at risk for nosocomial infections. Prolonged use of third-generation cephalosporins was strongly associated with candidemia. There was no statistically significant difference in the morbidity and mortality between patients infected with C parapsilosis and those infected with C albicans. Observed delays in removal of the central venous catheter may have contributed to finding a mortality rate from C parapsilosis that was higher than was previously reported.