Vertical and horizontal transmission of Candida albicans in very low birth weight infants using DNA fingerprinting techniques.

Background: Very low birth weight infants (VLBW, < or = 1500 g) are at increased risk for invasive disease caused by fungi, and colonization is an important risk factor. This study was designed to examine the effect of maternal flora on Candida colonization of VLBW infants.

Methods: Body site samples were collected within 24 hours of delivery from mothers who gave birth to VLBW infants, from their infants at birth, and then weekly for 12 weeks or until death or discharge.