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Persistent colonization of Candida auris among inpatients rescreened as part of a weekly surveillance program
Sebastian P Arenas1, Patrice J Persad1, Samira Patel1
1University of Miami Health System, Miami, Florida.
Abstract:
We established a surveillance program to evaluate persistence of C. auris colonization among hospitalized patients. Overall, 17 patients (34%) had ≥1 negative result followed by a positive test, and 7 (41%) of these patients had ≥2 consecutive negative tests.
Insights
Persistent colonization of Candida auris (C. auris) was evaluated in hospitalized patients. A significant portion of patients experienced intermittent negative tests after initial positive results, indicating challenges in confirming eradication.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Microbiology
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Candida auris (C. auris) is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen.
- Healthcare-associated infections caused by C. auris pose significant public health challenges.
- Understanding C. auris colonization dynamics is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the persistence of C. auris colonization in hospitalized patients.
- To identify patterns of intermittent negative and positive test results.
- To evaluate the duration and frequency of C. auris shedding.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of a surveillance program for C. auris colonization.
- Regular clinical specimen collection and laboratory testing for C. auris.
- Analysis of patient test results to determine colonization persistence and patterns.
Main Results:
- Out of 50 patients, 17 (34%) exhibited at least one negative test result followed by a positive test.
- Among those with intermittent results, 7 patients (41%) had two or more consecutive negative tests before a subsequent positive result.
- This suggests prolonged or relapsing colonization in a subset of patients.
Conclusions:
- Intermittent negative results complicate the assessment of C. auris eradication.
- A substantial proportion of patients may experience recurrent or persistent colonization.
- Further research is needed to define optimal screening and decolonization protocols for C. auris.
