Candida auris, a dreaded yeast infection, has intensified its presence in the United States with worrying rapidity. This emerging fungus, first identified in 2009, poses a significant global health threat due to its severe impact on hospitalized patients and its resistance to multiple antifungal treatments.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been monitoring the spread of C. auris since it was first detected in the United States in 2016. In 2023, an alarming increase in cases has been reported, particularly in states like New York and the ‘Illinois. which have consistently recorded high numbers of cases. In July 2023, an outbreak reached Western Washington, beginning in Pierce County at St. Joseph Hospital.
C. auris is known for its ability to cause a variety of infections, from superficial skin conditions to invasive diseases such as bloodstream infections, which can be life-threatening. The fungus is most dangerous when it enters the bloodstream, with more than a third of patients with invasive C. auris infections succumbing to the disease. Symptoms of an infection include fever, chills, lethargy, low blood pressure, elevated heart rate, and pain or fullness in the ear.
Transmission occurs in health care settings through contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment, or through physical contact with an infected person. The fungus can survive on surfaces for several weeks, making strict hygiene practices and thorough cleaning in healthcare settings crucial to control its spread. Hand hygiene, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water, is considered the primary defense against C. auris.
Patients colonized with C. auris, meaning the fungus is present on their body without causing infection, can still transmit the organism to others. Once diagnosed, C. auris remains in the body indefinitely, requiring continued precautions even after leaving the hospital.
The CDC has outlined specific measures for health care providers to prevent the spread of C. auris, including isolation of affected patients, use of specialized disinfectants for cleaning rooms, and use of protective gowns and gloves. Additionally, patients entering healthcare settings should inform providers if they have tested positive for C. auris or been exposed to it.
Resistance of C. auris to antifungal drugs is a major concern. Although most infections can be treated with echinocandins, some strains have shown resistance to all three major classes of antifungals. In such cases, alternative or multiple antifungal medications may be necessary.
CDC continues to work with public health partners, healthcare personnel, and laboratories to contain the spread of C. auris, advising on prevention strategies and updating guidelines as new information becomes available. information becomes available. Research efforts are underway to understand why C. auris is resistant to antifungal drugs, its origins, and how it emerged simultaneously in various regions around the world.
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