P37.5: Neonatal candidiasis

In most people, yeast fungi occur in the mucous membranes of the mouth, in the throat and in the digestive tract. Sometimes yeast fungi spread more than usual and then cause illness. If the mother has a yeast fungus infection in her vagina, the child can contract it. Infection with yeast fungi can occur during or after the birth. After the birth, not only the mother but other people can pass yeast fungi on to the newborn child. The child may also have contracted yeast fungi while in the womb. This can be the case if yeast fungi get from the mother’s vagina to the child through the amniotic sac bursting. Premature babies are particularly susceptible to infection because their immune system is weaker than usual.

There can be different indications that a newborn child has been infected with yeast fungi. A white coating may be observed on the mucous membrane of the mouth. Red blotches, small red pustules and flaking can occur on the skin. This can affect the diaper area, for example.

Infection with yeast fungi can also cause blood poisoning. Blood poisoning is the most severe outcome of a disorder that has been caused by pathogens. With this, pathogens or their toxins may spread throughout the body via the blood. If the body’s immune system does not react properly to this, organs and tissue can become damaged.