Neonatal candidiasis can develop perinatally or postnatally: it can be acquired by passage through an infected birth canal, develop postnatally from invasive procedures or infected catheters, or be related to breaks in the skin of the neonate. It is seen after the first week of life, in contrast to congenital candidiasis, which is present at birth.
 
Affected infants may present with a varying clinical picture.

Localized Disease
Localized disease is limited to the development of mucocutaneous lesions and usually presents as thrush or diaper dermatitis, but other intertriginous areas may be involved.

Systemic Infection
A more widespread systemic infection occurs mostly in low birth weight infants. Cutaneous findings include diffuse erythema, vesicles, or pustules. The infant is lethargic, refuses to feed, is apneic, or is in respiratory distress. There is temperature instability and hyperglycemia. Meningitis, urinary tract infection, or candidal septicemia may occur. More severe cases may result in multiorgan failure.

Widespread Cutaneous Infection
The development of a widespread cutaneous candidal infection that resembles an erosive dermatitis may also be seen in extremely low birth weight infants. Risk factors for the development of this type of neonatal candidiasis include prematurity, abdominal surgery, intravenous (IV) catheterization, and broad-spectrum antibiotic use as well as steroid administration and hyperglycemia. Infants with widespread cutaneous involvement can present with macular, papular, vesicular, or pustular lesions. Erosive and ulcerative lesions develop with crust formation.

Candida auris
Candida auris is an emerging cause of candidemia that is notable for high rates of mortality and for drug resistance. Candida auris mostly affects patients with severe underlying medical conditions requiring complex medical care. Patients with invasive medical devices such breathing tubes, feeding tubes, catheters in a vein, or urinary catheters tend to be at increased risk. Nosocomial infection has been associated with prolonged use of axillary temperature monitors.

Consultation with an infectious disease specialist is highly recommended when caring for patients with C auris infection. Even after treatment for invasive infections, patients generally remain colonized with C auris for long periods.

See below and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Information for Laboratorians and Health Professionals for more detailed information.