FREQUENCY OF FUNGAL INFECTIONS IN NEONATES: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY CONDUCTED IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF NORTH-EAST PUNJAB

Abstract

Background: Invasive fungal infections mainly of candida species are of prime importance because of its high morbidity and mortality in neonates. This issue is of great public health concern. However, insufficient epidemiological information is available in low and middle income countries like Pakistan. The objective of the present study was to determine the frequency of fungal infection among the neonates between May December 2023.Methodology: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in department of pediatrics, Lahore General Hospital Lahore. A total of 272 neonates admitted to NICU were included in this study to determine the frequency of fungal infection among the study population. Categorical variables were presented in the form of percentages and numbers.  Presence and absence of fungal infection was determined by following the available clinical and microbiological record of the under study population. Data of the understudy neonates were recorded in Microsoft Excel sheet from the hospital medical record. Results: Candida species were found in under study neonates, p-value for birth weight and gestational age were found significant and among risk factors p-value of prematurity, mechanical ventilation and prolonged hospital stay were found significant. Conclusion: Frequency of neonatal fungal infection was 8.45% and among the risk factors prolonged hospital stay, prematurity, mechanical ventilation were found significant while use of broad spectrum antibiotic and umbilical catheterization were found non significant.