Understanding Candida Auris: Emergence, Epidemiology, and Clinical Implications
Candida auris. Source: Nicolas Armer / picture alliance via Getty Images file
Candida auris (C. auris) is a dangerous fungus that is becoming a serious global health problem. It is difficult to manage because it can withstand a variety of antifungal medications that doctors typically prescribe to treat infections. C. auris is also tricky to identify, which can lead to wrong treatments and an increased spread. C. auris has caused outbreaks in hospitals and other healthcare settings due to its ability to persist on surfaces such as bed rails, chairs, and medical equipment, thereby facilitating rapid transmission between individuals.
Controlling the spread of C. auris is hard because it can thrive in clinical settings. C. auris is a fungus that can live on the skin, in the respiratory tract, and in the urinary tract. It can spread from person to person in hospitals through direct or indirect contact. Even one case of C. auris should start an investigation and infection control measures to stop transmission. Delayed recognition and infection control practices can lead to rapid spread to other hospitalized patients. The number of C. auris cases has increased due to various reasons, such as poor general infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities and increased efforts to detect cases. However, investigations indicate that the spread of C. auris may have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the strain on healthcare and public health systems. Hospitals need to have strict cleaning and infection control procedures to stop it from spreading.
Antifungal drugs are used to treat fungal infections by killing or stopping the growth of dangerous fungi in the body. However, fungi can develop resistance to these drugs, limiting treatment options, especially for invasive fungal infections. Overusing antibiotics and antifungal drugs can lead to the development of drug-resistant organisms like Candida auris, which is why careful and wise use of these drugs is crucial.
Given the potential for C. auris to spread across regions, there is a pressing need for collaborative efforts towards global management and control. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) notes that the virus is resistant to most hospital disinfectants and difficult to identify in lab tests. Mortality rates range from 30% to 59% globally and from 22% to 57% in the US. Strong infection prevention techniques, including screening patients, rigorous cleaning, and communication among facilities, are crucial to prevent C. auris from spreading and becoming embedded in our healthcare settings.Local state departments of health also recommend staying vigilant by following infection prevention measures. Regular hand washing and good hygiene practices are important to prevent Candida auris infection, especially for those at risk, such as individuals with weakened immune systems, those who have had frequent hospital stays, or older adults living in nursing homes.
For more information on Candida auris, you can refer to the CDC's fact sheet.
