An approach to Candidozyma auris surveillance in a low prevalence setting

Candidozyma auris (C auris) is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen of increasing global concern. We describe the development and validation of an active surveillance program for patients at high risk of C auris colonization in the setting of regionally reported cases of invasive infection.

From 2021 to 2024, 1,146 surveillance tests were obtained using the BD ESwab collection system. Surveillance testing was performed on the BD MAX PCR platform.

Of 1,146 specimens tested over a 3-year period, only four surveillance tests were positive. Individuals with positive surveillance tests were isolated, and contact tracing of potentially exposures revealed no secondary cases.

This report demonstrates the importance of establishing hyperlocal epidemiology and robust infection prevention practices when determining the prevalence of and responding to emerging pathogens.