[Candidiasis in children with diaper rash. Study of 140 cases].

The frequency of genito-crural candidiasis in infants presenting diaper rash, as well as the possible influence of bacterial flora in this region on the pathogenicity of Candida was studied. Skin scraping were made with sterile swabs and processed by bacteriological and mycological methods in 140 children whose ages ranged between 0 and 20 months. The most commonly found microbiological flora were Candida spp (65.7%), non hemolytic Streptococcus (18.5%), Staphylococus epidermidis (19.2%); beta hemolytic Streptococcus (12.8%) and alfa-hemolytic Streptococcus (9.2%). Of the 140 cases, 76 (54.3%) showed candidiasis associated with diaper rash and 16 (11.4%) had Candida as normal flora. C. albicans was most frequently found (66.3%) followed by C. tropicalis (19.6%). Candidiasis was more frequent in those infants that had no other associated of pathogenic flora. Factors significantly influencing the increase in the frequency of candidiasis were: A) Evolution time, which was directly proportional; B) Use of cotton diapers covered with plastic pants; C) Feeding with cow's as opposed to maternal milk; and D) Malnutrition associated with poor hygiene.