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Candida auris: From Multidrug Resistance to Pan-Resistant Strains
Muluneh Ademe1, Friehiwot Girma2
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Abstract:
Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungus that is rapidly spreading worldwide. Currently, C. auris cases have been reported globally from >30 countries. Most reported infections involve critically ill patients in hospitals, mainly in intensive care unit settings. Infection with C. auris is associated with high mortality rates, and it is often resistant to multiple classes of antifungal drugs. Despite the rapid global spread, it is difficult to predict the actual burden of the infection as the standard laboratory methods fail to correctly identify the fungi. Longer stays in healthcare facilities, use of tracheostomies and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes, ventilators in clinical care units and mobile equipment in healthcare settings are shown as major risk factors of C. auris infection. Due to its propensity to cause outbreaks and its antifungal resistance, C. auris poses a risk for patients in healthcare facilities. The emergence of pan-resistant C. auris strains in some areas is an alarming signal for the disease with limited treatment options, high mortality rates, and the ability of the pathogen to spread easily in healthcare settings. In this regard, susceptibility testing on clinical isolates, mainly for patients treated with echinocandins, is needed. Increasing awareness about C. auris infection and advancing the diagnostic methods are also essential for early detection and control of the deadly fungal infection.
Insights
Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant fungus, is spreading globally, causing high mortality infections in hospitals. Early detection and antifungal susceptibility testing are crucial for controlling this emerging infectious threat.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Candida auris is an emerging, multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen with a rapid global spread.
- Infections primarily affect critically ill patients in intensive care units, associated with high mortality rates.
- Existing laboratory methods struggle with accurate identification, complicating burden assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the growing threat of Candida auris infections worldwide.
- To emphasize the challenges posed by antifungal resistance and diagnostic limitations.
- To underscore the need for improved surveillance, diagnostics, and treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of current epidemiological data on Candida auris.
- Analysis of risk factors associated with healthcare-associated Candida auris infections.
- Discussion of diagnostic and treatment challenges, including antifungal resistance.
Main Results:
- Candida auris cases reported in over 30 countries, predominantly in hospital settings.
- High mortality rates and resistance to multiple antifungal drug classes observed.
- Risk factors include prolonged healthcare stays, invasive devices, and ventilators.
Conclusions:
- Candida auris poses a significant risk to patients in healthcare facilities due to its resistance and transmissibility.
- Emergence of pan-resistant strains necessitates urgent attention and limited treatment options.
- Enhanced awareness, improved diagnostics, and susceptibility testing are essential for control.
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