The First Report of Candida Auris Infection in Vietnam

Thong Dang-Vu1, Dung Lam-Quoc1, Ngoc Duong-Minh1,2

  • 1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Insights

This study reports the first clinical cases of Candida auris (C. auris) in Vietnam, highlighting its emergence as a global health threat. The findings emphasize the need for increased surveillance and research into C. auris infections in the region.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology

Background:

  • Candida auris (C. auris) is an emerging global health threat causing significant healthcare burdens.
  • Complicating factors include misidentification, antifungal resistance, high mortality, and nosocomial spread.
  • No prior clinical reports of C. auris infections existed in Vietnam.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the first four clinical cases of C. auris infections in Vietnam.
  • To raise awareness regarding the emergence of C. auris in the Vietnamese healthcare setting.
  • To highlight specific clinical characteristics observed in these cases.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case series analysis of four patients diagnosed with C. auris infections.
  • Clinical data collection including patient demographics, treatment, and outcomes.
  • Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed.

Main Results:

  • Four cases of C. auris infection were identified in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Cho Ray Hospital.
  • Common clinical features included hypoalbuminemia and corticosteroid use.
  • One case exhibited resistance to amphotericin B, potentially linked to prior exposure.

Conclusions:

  • The emergence of C. auris in Vietnam necessitates heightened clinical and research attention.
  • Hypoalbuminemia and corticosteroid use are notable clinical features associated with C. auris infections in this cohort.
  • While generally susceptible, documented amphotericin B resistance underscores the importance of monitoring antifungal susceptibility patterns.