Candidozyma auris Spondylodiscitis: A Case Report from Saudi Arabia and Literature Review

Rakan Sambas1, Khalid Bin Aziz2,3, Faisal N Alqahtani1,3

  • 1Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia.

PubMed

Insights

Candidozyma auris, a multidrug-resistant fungus, rarely causes spondylodiscitis. This case report details a severe infection in a Saudi male, emphasizing diagnostic and management challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology
  • Clinical Case Study

Background:

  • Candidozyma auris (formerly Candida auris) is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen.
  • It is increasingly implicated in healthcare-associated infections.
  • Involvement in spondylodiscitis is exceptionally rare.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of Candidozyma auris spondylodiscitis.
  • To highlight diagnostic and management challenges.
  • To underscore the need for early suspicion and novel treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 65-year-old Saudi male with comorbidities.
  • Diagnosis of Candidozyma auris spondylodiscitis and bilateral psoas abscesses.
  • Treatment with broad-spectrum antifungal therapy and multidisciplinary management.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with altered mental status.
  • Despite aggressive treatment, the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated.
  • This case illustrates the difficulties in managing multidrug-resistant C. auris infections.

Conclusions:

  • Candidozyma auris spondylodiscitis is a rare but severe complication.
  • Early suspicion, source control, and new antifungal therapies are crucial.
  • High-risk populations require vigilant monitoring for C. auris infections.