Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
Author Spotlight: Enhancing Candida albicans Detection in Catheter Infections Using Fluorescent Protein Tagging
Published on: March 22, 2024
Candida auris, an Agent of Hospital-Associated Outbreaks: Which Challenging Issues Do We Need to Have in Mind?
Raquel Sabino1,2, Cristina Veríssimo1,2, Álvaro Ayres Pereira2,3
1Reference Unit for Parasitic and Fungal Infections, Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
Abstract:
The emergence of Candida auris is considered as one of the most serious problems associated with nosocomial transmission and with infection control practices in hospital environment. This multidrug resistant species is rapidly spreading worldwide, with several described outbreaks. Until now, this species has been isolated from different hospital surfaces, where it can survive for long periods. There are multiple unanswered questions regarding C. auris, such as prevalence in population, environmental contamination, effectiveness of infection prevention and control, and impact on patient mortality. In order to understand how it spreads and discover possible reservoirs, it is essential to know the ecology, natural environment, and distribution of this species. It is also important to explore possible reasons to this recent emergence, namely the environmental presence of azoles or the possible effect of climate change on this sudden emergence. This review aims to discuss some of the most challenging issues that we need to have in mind in the management of C. auris and to raise the awareness to its presence in specific indoor environments as hospital settings.
Insights
The multidrug-resistant fungus Candida auris poses a serious threat in hospitals. Understanding its spread, reservoirs, and environmental factors is crucial for effective infection control and patient management.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant yeast causing serious nosocomial infections worldwide.
- This fungus can survive on hospital surfaces for extended periods, complicating infection control.
- Outbreaks of Candida auris highlight the urgent need for better understanding and management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the challenges in managing Candida auris infections.
- To raise awareness about Candida auris in hospital environments.
- To explore the ecology, environmental distribution, and emergence factors of Candida auris.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review of current literature on Candida auris.
- It synthesizes information on transmission, survival, and potential reservoirs.
- It discusses factors contributing to the emergence of Candida auris.
Main Results:
- Candida auris demonstrates significant multidrug resistance and poses a global health threat.
- The fungus persists on various hospital surfaces, facilitating nosocomial spread.
- Unanswered questions remain regarding prevalence, environmental contamination, and patient mortality impact.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of Candida auris requires a comprehensive understanding of its ecology and environmental persistence.
- Further research into reservoirs, environmental factors (e.g., azole use, climate change), and control measures is essential.
- Increased awareness and targeted infection prevention strategies are critical for combating Candida auris in healthcare settings.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...