Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen that has rapidly become a global health concern. Since its first detection in the U.S. in 2016, Candida auris has been reported in over 30 countries. As of December 2021, there have been numerous cases of the fungus in the U.S., including both clinical cases of infection and screening cases where the fungus was present in patients without causing an infection
Candida auris infections have been reported in healthcare settings around the world, and the mortality rate associated with these infections can be as high as 60%.
In this post, we'll take a closer look at Candida auris, its symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options, as well as the global impact of this emerging pathogen.
What is Candida auris?
Candida auris is a type of fungus that belongs to the Candida family. Candida is a common type of yeast that normally lives in the human body without causing any harm. However, in certain circumstances, Candida can cause infections. Candida auris is a particularly problematic strain of Candida because it is resistant to many types of antifungal drugs.
Candida auris was first identified in 2009 in Japan. Since then, it has spread rapidly around the world, with outbreaks reported in multiple countries, including the United States, India, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. The fungus can be transmitted from person to person in healthcare settings, and is often associated with invasive medical procedures such as surgery and the use of catheters or ventilators.
Symptoms of Candida auris:
The symptoms of Candida auris infection can vary depending on the location of the infection in the body. Invasive infections can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, chills, and sepsis (a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to infection).
The fungus can also cause infections in the bloodstream, leading to symptoms such as low blood pressure and organ failure.
Risk factors for Candida auris:
The risk factors for Candida auris infections include individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those receiving chemotherapy, transplant recipients, and people with diabetes. Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) or on ventilators are also at a higher risk of infection.
Additionally, patients who have had recent surgery, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics or antifungal drugs, or prolonged hospitalization are at an increased risk.
Treatment of Candida auris:
Candida auris is a difficult-to-treat infection because it is often resistant to multiple types of antifungal drugs. The treatment of Candida auris infections requires a multidisciplinary approach that involves infectious disease specialists, microbiologists, and infection preventionists. Treatment may include the use of antifungal medications that the fungus is not resistant to, or a combination of antifungal drugs.
In some cases, surgery may be required to remove infected tissue or devices such as catheters or pacemakers. Prevention of infection through strict infection control measures, such as hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and isolation of infected patients, is also critical to managing Candida auris outbreaks.
Global impact of Candida auris:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incidence of drug-resistant cases of Candida auris has increased in 2021, making it a growing public health concern.
The emergence of this multidrug-resistant fungus highlights the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities. The World Health Organization has identified Candida auris as a priority pathogen, and efforts are underway to improve surveillance and response to this emerging threat.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Candida auris is a multi-drug-resistant fungus that poses a significant threat to global health. Early detection, prompt treatment, and strict infection control measures are critical in managing and preventing the spread of this emerging pathogen.