Analysis of Candidozyma auris - an emerging threat in intensive care units

Candidozyma (C.) auris (formerly Candida auris) is an emerging fungus posing a serious global health threat due to its multidrug resistance and difficulty in identification with standard laboratory methods. It causes severe illness in hospitalized patients, with risk factors including recent surgery, diabetes, and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and antifungals. Colonization of the respiratory tract, catheters, and skin with C. auris can lead to serious infections, particularly through central venous catheters, urinary catheters, and tracheostomy tubes, resulting in fungemia.

: We present a case series of five ICU patients with fungemia caused by C. auris. The cases emphasize the immune status, screening, and clinical manifestations of these patients. Antifungal susceptibility testing using broth microdilution was performed, and antifungals were administered based on sensitivity reports. Three patients showed improvement with appropriate therapy.

C. auris infections are increasing in prevalence and represent a significant burden to healthcare system and patients. Aggressive treatment and stringent infection control measures are essential to prevent the spread, multi-drug resistance, and mortality associated with C. auris. This study highlights the importance of effective treatment management, including the selection of antifungal agents and the implementation of robust infection control practices, to combat this emerging pathogen.