Candida auris as an Emergent Public Health Problem: A Current Update on European Outbreaks and Cases

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen associated with high mortality rates.
• It exhibits multidrug-resistance (MDR) and pandrug-resistance (PDR), complicating treatment.
• C. auris poses significant challenges due to its environmental persistence and patient colonization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review primary Candida auris outbreaks and case reports in Europe.
• To underscore the importance of laboratory diagnostics and surveillance for C. auris control.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of published literature on Candida auris outbreaks and cases in Europe.
• Analysis of reported hospital outbreaks and sporadic cases across European countries.

Main Results:

• Significant Candida auris outbreaks have occurred in the UK, Italy, and Spain.
• Sporadic cases have been reported throughout Europe, indicating widespread presence.
• Challenges in susceptibility testing and identification by commercial systems are noted.

Conclusions:

• Effective control of Candida auris requires enhanced laboratory diagnostic capacity.
• Robust national surveillance systems are crucial for rapid detection and containment.
• Addressing C. auris necessitates a coordinated European approach to manage outbreaks.