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Candida auris: a novel emerging nosocomial pathogen - properties, epidemiological situation and infection control
Marcelo Caliman Sato1, Emilene Cristine Izu Nakamura Pietro2, Lucas Marques da Costa Alves2
1Center for Lasers and Applications, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN), São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
Immunosuppression and critical illnesses in combination with ecological imbalance open the door for novel opportunistic fungal infections, as in case of Candida (C). auris. C. auris has emerged globally as a multidrug-resistant yeast, causing infections and outbreaks in health care facilities. This narrative review discusses the properties of the yeast, the development of the epidemiological situation, the nosocomial spread and causes for nosocomial outbreaks triggered by C. auris in the hospital environment, and summarizes international recommendations for infection control, supplemented by suggestions on diagnostic, screening and antibiotic stewardship.
Insights
Emerging multidrug-resistant Candida (C). auris causes opportunistic fungal infections in hospitals. This review details its properties, spread, and control strategies for healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Opportunistic fungal infections are increasing due to immunosuppression and critical illnesses.
- Candida (C). auris is a multidrug-resistant yeast causing global health concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the properties and epidemiology of Candida (C). auris.
- To discuss nosocomial spread and outbreak causes.
- To summarize infection control recommendations and diagnostic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of scientific literature.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on Candida (C). auris.
- Synthesis of international guidelines for infection control.
Main Results:
- Candida (C). auris exhibits multidrug resistance, posing a significant threat in healthcare facilities.
- Nosocomial spread and outbreaks are driven by specific environmental and patient factors.
- Effective infection control requires comprehensive strategies including diagnostics and antibiotic stewardship.
Conclusions:
- Candida (C). auris represents a growing challenge in healthcare settings worldwide.
- Integrated approaches to surveillance, diagnostics, and infection control are crucial.
- Antibiotic stewardship is essential to combat multidrug resistance.
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