Work

Neonatal Candidemia in Latin America: Trends, Resistance, and Prevention Strategies (2008–2025)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Candidemia and invasive candidiasis remain significant causes of late-onset sepsis and mortality in very-low-birth-weight infants, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This narrative review synthesizes studies published between 2008 and 2025 in Latin America, addressing epidemiology, species distribution, antifungal susceptibility patterns, risk factors, therapeutic approaches, and clinical outcomes, with international comparisons. Accordingly, we present a qualitative narrative synthesis (see Methods) rather than a formal year-over-year temporal trend quantification. Globally, five species predominate, namely Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis sensu lato (s.I.), Candida tropicalis, Nakaseomyces glabratus, and Pichia kudriavzevii, with a sustained increase in non-albicans species and growing resistance to fluconazole. In Latin America, the burden varies depending on the hospital setting; C. parapsilosis sensu lato (s.I.) predominates in NICUs, and Candidozyma auris has emerged, associated with nosocomial outbreaks and multidrug resistance. Factors such as extreme prematurity, prolonged catheter use, parenteral nutrition, and antibiotics are consistently associated with the risk of infection. Mortality remains high, influenced by diagnostic delays and species characteristics. Standardized microbiological surveillance, accurate identification, and strategies tailored to each clinical setting are required to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Source: Journal of Fungi

DOI: 10.3390/jof12030230

Authors: Fredi Giovanni Soto Guzmán, Pilar Rivas-Pinedo, Jose Millan Onate Gutierrez

Institution: Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Language: English

Topic: Antifungal resistance and susceptibility

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137