Candida Auris: The Rise of a Resistant Fungus and its Impact on Public Health

Candida auris (C. auris) is a growing concern for public health, especially in hospitals and long-term care facilities. This naturally resistant fungus can cause serious infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems, and has been identified as an emerging threat by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The rise of Candida auris and its ability to resist antifungal drugs highlights the need for greater awareness and action to prevent its spread.

The first known case of C. auris was reported in Japan in 2009, and since then, it has been identified in numerous countries around the world. According to the CDC, there were 1,503 clinical cases of C. auris reported in the United States between March 2021 and February 2022. California, Florida, Illinois, and New York were the states with the highest number of cases. Over the same period, targeted screening identified more than 3,900 additional patients who were colonized with C. auris.

One of the biggest challenges posed by C. auris is its ability to resist antifungal drugs. It has been reported that some strains of the fungus are resistant to multiple antifungal drugs, including fluconazole, which is commonly used to treat candidiasis. This resistance makes it difficult to treat infections caused by C. auris and increases the risk of serious complications and death.

Long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities, have been identified as a major source of C. auris outbreaks. Patients with weakened immune systems, such as those in these facilities, are particularly vulnerable to infection. In 2019, researchers reported an outbreak of more than 180 cases in nine long-term care facilities in Southern California. The outbreak was likely driven by the transfer of infected patients from one facility to another.

The COVID-19 pandemic has added to the challenges posed by C. auris. The pandemic has put a strain on hospital infection prevention and control programs, which were already "underfunded and understaffed" even before the pandemic began, according to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. The increased movement of patients between facilities and the need to isolate and screen high-risk patients for COVID-19 has made it more difficult to prevent the spread of C. auris.

In light of the increasing threat posed by C. auris, it is essential that hospitals and long-term care facilities take steps to prevent its spread. This includes proper screening and isolation of high-risk patients, as well as frequent cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment. Patients and families should also be informed of the risks associated with C. auris and the importance of proper hand hygiene.

In conclusion, C. auris is a rapidly growing concern for public health. Its ability to resist antifungal drugs and the increased risk of infection in vulnerable populations make it a serious threat to public health. It is essential that hospitals and long-term care facilities take steps to prevent its spread and that patients and families are informed of the risks associated with this resistant fungus. By working together, we can reduce the impact of C. auris on public health and help protect vulnerable populations from this emerging threat.