الفهرس 
Early diagnosis of neonatal candidemia using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns
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Abstract
Background: Nosocomial candidaemia is associated with high mortality rates in preterm neonates; Thus, the early detection and identification of the infectious agent is crucial for successful medical intervention. The PCR-based techniques have significantly increased the detection of Candida species in bloodstream infections. Aim of the Work: The aim of this study was to use the PCR technique to detect Candida infection in neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and to compare the results to those of blood culture. Methods: This is a case-control study in which 50 blood cultures and PCR samples were withdrawn from 50 VLBW preterm neonates diagnosed as having late onset sepsis, and from 50 VLBW preterm neonates with no clinical signs or laboratory evidence for sepsis serving as a control group. Results: The blood cultures were positive in 48% of patients, whereas the PCR was positive in 62% of patients. The sensitivity of PCR was 100% while the specificity was 73.1%