An outbreak of candidiasis in a special care baby unit: the use of a resistogram typing method.

An outbreak of candida infections involving 12 neonates in a special care baby unit is reported. An investigation of colonization of all the babies in the unit was made together with the sampling of the environment and hands of staff. Resistogram typing of isolates indicated the presence of several strains with probable cross-infection. Transmission was possibly by the hands of staff, but multiple antibiotic therapy may have played a role in the increased incidence of infection in the unit.