Invasive Fungal Infections Caused by Candida and Malassezia Species in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at particular risk of invasive fungal infections, and unfortunately, the incidence of fungal septicemia appears to be increasing. Invasive infections caused by species of Candida or Malassezia have been documented in the NICU and are often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Controversies regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of such diseases exist. The purpose of this review is to describe the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic techniques, treatment, and prevention of invasive infection due to Candida and Malassezia species in the neonatal intensive care setting.