Candida auris: A Mini Review on Epidemiology in Healthcare Facilities in Asia
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Published on: December 28, 2017
Nishanthinie Thatchanamoorthy1, Velayuthan Rukumani Devi2, Samudi Chandramathi1
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Jalan Profesor Diraja Ungku Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Candida auris, a newly emerging healthcare-associated yeast pathogen from the Metschnikowiaceae family, was first described in the ear canal of an elderly Japanese patient in 2009. The yeast is one of the causative agents of candidemia, which has been linked with nosocomial outbreaks and high mortality rates in healthcare facilities worldwide. Since its first isolation, the occurrence of C. auris in six continents has becomes a grave concern for the healthcare professionals and scientific community. Recent reports showed the identification of five geographically distinct clades and high rates of antifungal resistance associated with C. auris. Till date, there are no effective treatment options, and standardized measures for prevention and control of C. auris infection in healthcare facilities. This leads to frequent therapeutic failures and complicates the eradication of C. auris infection in healthcare facilities. Thus, this review focuses on the recent understanding of the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, transmission and prevention and control strategies of C. auris infection in healthcare facilities in Asia.
Insights
Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant yeast, causes dangerous healthcare-associated infections globally. This review details its epidemiology, diagnosis, and control in Asian healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast pathogen causing healthcare-associated infections.
- It is associated with nosocomial outbreaks and high mortality rates worldwide.
- The yeast has spread globally, raising significant concerns among healthcare professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of Candida auris epidemiology in Asia.
- To outline risk factors, diagnostic methods, and transmission routes.
- To discuss prevention and control strategies for Candida auris in healthcare facilities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on Candida auris.
- Analysis of epidemiological data and clinical reports from Asia.
- Synthesis of information on antifungal resistance and treatment challenges.
Main Results:
- Candida auris exhibits high rates of antifungal resistance across five distinct clades.
- Effective treatment options and standardized control measures are lacking.
- Frequent therapeutic failures complicate eradication efforts in healthcare settings.
Conclusions:
- There is an urgent need for effective treatments and standardized prevention strategies for Candida auris.
- Understanding transmission dynamics is crucial for controlling outbreaks.
- This review provides a comprehensive overview for managing Candida auris in Asian healthcare facilities.
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