RESUMEN
A prospective study was performed on 50 preterm neonates and 20 full- term neonates as controls to determine risk factors from Candida colonization. In the first 24 hours after birth, umbilical stump, oropharyngeal swab, endotracheal aspirate and urine specimens were collected from each newborn. They were subjected to mycological examination, which was repeated if the patient proved negative for Candida after one week for patients and controls. Blood cultures were done for colonization patients. Candidal colonization was detected in 16 out of 50 of 50 preterm infants and only 2 cases out of 20 full- term infants. Candida albicans was the most common isolate accounting for 75% of the recovered isolates, followed by Candida parapsilosis, which grew in 5%, Candida tropicalis 4% and Candida stellatoidea 2%. There was a positive blood culture for only one positive colonized patient. The risk factors identified by multiple logistic regression analysis were lowest gestational age, use of antibiotics and diabetic mothers, whereas delivery by cesarean was protective