Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 19, 2025
Author Spotlight: Enhancing Candida albicans Detection in Catheter Infections Using Fluorescent Protein Tagging
Published on: March 22, 2024
A Cluster of Neonatal Infections Caused by Candida auris at a Large Referral Center in Colombia
Jorge L Alvarado-Socarras1, José A Vargas-Soler1, Carlos Franco-Paredes2,3
1Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Colombia.
Background:
Globally, Candida auris is an emerging pathogen that poses an essential threat in healthcare settings presenting as outbreaks requiring significant allocation of infection control interventions to curb transmission. This fungal pathogen was initially identified in 2009 in Japan, but it has spread to all continents. Candida auris poses significant diagnostic and treatment challenges. Conventional microbiology laboratories often misidentify this pathogen as Candida haemulonii or as other Candida spp., Rhodoturola glutinis, and even with some bacterial pathogens, including Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A. Furthermore, C. auris displays distinct mechanisms of antifungal resistance to azoles and amphotericin B formulations. Most of the case series and outbreak reports have included invasive infections in adult populations.
Methods:
Herein, we present a cluster of neonatal infections caused by Candida auris at a large referral center in Colombia.
Results:
We report a case series of 8 neonates and infant patients who were seen at a large referral center in Colombia and who develop invasive infections caused by C. haemulonii and C. auris.
Discussion:
Our report highlights the diagnostic challenges in identifying this fungal pathogen correctly, its clinical spectrum of disease, recommendations for empiric antifungal therapy, and it is not always associated with a high case fatality rate.
Insights
A cluster of invasive Candida auris infections in neonates was identified in Colombia. This emerging fungal pathogen presents diagnostic and treatment challenges, but may not always lead to high mortality rates.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Candida auris is a globally emerging fungal pathogen causing healthcare-associated outbreaks.
- It presents significant diagnostic challenges, often misidentified by conventional methods.
- Antifungal resistance and invasive infections, primarily in adults, are key concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a cluster of neonatal infections caused by Candida auris.
- To highlight diagnostic and clinical challenges associated with this pathogen in neonates.
Main Methods:
- Case series presentation.
- Infections identified at a large referral center in Colombia.
Main Results:
- A series of 8 neonates and infants developed invasive infections.
- Infections were caused by Candida haemulonii and Candida auris.
- The study identified diagnostic difficulties and the clinical spectrum of disease.
Conclusions:
- Accurate identification of Candida auris is crucial.
- Recommendations for empiric antifungal therapy are provided.
- Candida auris infections in neonates are not invariably associated with high mortality.
Related Concept Videos
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.
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
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...
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...