Candida auris: an Emerging Fungal Pathogen

Emily S Spivak1, Kimberly E Hanson2,3

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

Insights

Candida auris is a growing global threat, causing difficult-to-treat fungal infections in healthcare settings. This review covers its emergence, resistance, and impact on patient care.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant yeast causing health care-associated infections.
  • It presents challenges due to misidentification, high antifungal resistance, and mortality.
  • Unique virulence factors aid its skin colonization and environmental persistence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detail the global emergence of Candida auris.
  • To discuss challenges in clinical microbiology laboratories.
  • To review hospital infection control and antimicrobial stewardship.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of global emergence and characteristics of Candida auris.
  • Analysis of challenges in clinical settings.
  • Discussion of infection control and stewardship strategies.

Main Results:

  • Candida auris has rapidly emerged worldwide as a significant pathogen.
  • Misidentification and antifungal resistance complicate treatment and control.
  • Environmental persistence and transmission in healthcare facilities are key concerns.

Conclusions:

  • Effective identification, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship are crucial for managing Candida auris.
  • Continued surveillance and research are needed to combat this resilient pathogen.

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