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Updated: Jan 17, 2026
Author Spotlight: Advancing Research on Candida albicans Biofilm-Associated Prosthetic Joint Infections
Published on: February 2, 2024
Candida Auris Total Knee Arthroplasty Infection in an Immunocompetent Individual: Case Report and Literature Review
Pinky Jha1, Milan Patel1, Jacob Kodra1
1School of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Introduction:
Candida auris (C auris), a multidrug-resistant fungus, was declared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a serious global health threat in 2016. It is hard to identify, resistant to standard antifungal treatments, and spreads within health care settings, resulting in high morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients.
Case Presentation:
We report the case of a 60-year-old immunocompetent male with a protracted course of prosthetic knee joint infections. He received medical care at several health care facilities across 2 Midwestern states culminating in wound dehiscence and C auris infection necessitating prolonged antimicrobial treatment.
Discussion:
C auris has been a pathogen of increasing nosocomial transmission with particular concern for multidrug resistance. Treatment is with prompt irrigation and debridement and polyethylene exchange and systemic antifungal treatment. Local treatment with antimicrobial impregnated cement can be used to reduce treatment duration and mitigate resistance.
Conclusions:
With emerging concerns and the prevalence of infection with C auris, there should be greater vigilance in evaluating patients with repeat surgeries and health care contacts for fungal infection.
Insights
Candida auris (C auris) is a dangerous, drug-resistant fungus causing severe infections, especially in healthcare settings. Increased vigilance is crucial for identifying and treating this emerging fungal threat in at-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Candida auris (C auris) is a multidrug-resistant fungus identified as a serious global health threat.
- C auris presents diagnostic challenges and resistance to standard antifungals, leading to high mortality in critically ill patients.
- Nosocomial transmission of C auris is a growing concern, particularly due to its multidrug resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of a prosthetic knee joint infection caused by Candida auris in an immunocompetent patient.
- To highlight the complexities in managing C auris infections, including prolonged antimicrobial treatment.
- To emphasize the need for increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance for C auris.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 60-year-old immunocompetent male with prosthetic knee joint infection.
- Documentation of medical care across multiple health care facilities.
- Description of treatment including prolonged antimicrobial therapy and surgical intervention.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced a protracted course of prosthetic knee joint infection with wound dehiscence.
- Infection with multidrug-resistant Candida auris was confirmed.
- Prolonged antimicrobial treatment was necessitated by the C auris infection.
Conclusions:
- Candida auris infections require prompt diagnosis and management, including surgical intervention and systemic antifungal therapy.
- Antimicrobial-impregnated cement may reduce treatment duration and mitigate resistance.
- Healthcare providers should maintain vigilance for fungal infections, especially in patients with recurrent surgeries or healthcare exposures.
