Perioperative approaches to Candida auris colonization in surgical and transplant patients: insights from an EIN...

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Emerging threat of multidrug-resistant *Candida auris*.
• Limited existing perioperative prevention guidance for *C. auris*.
• Increasing clinical encounters with *C. auris* infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess current practices and awareness regarding *Candida auris* prevention in the perioperative setting among U.S. infectious diseases professionals.
• To identify gaps in perioperative guidelines, preoperative screening, and antifungal prophylaxis for *C. auris*.
• To underscore the need for research and standardized prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• A poll of U.S. infectious diseases professionals was conducted.
• Survey questions focused on perioperative guidelines, preoperative screening, and antifungal prophylaxis for *C. auris*.
• Data on the incidence of postoperative *C. auris* infections was collected.

Main Results:

• The use of specific *Candida auris* perioperative guidelines was uncommon among respondents.
• Preoperative screening and antifungal prophylaxis for *C. auris* were infrequently implemented.
• 19% of surveyed professionals reported encountering postoperative *C. auris* infections.

Conclusions:

• Current perioperative prevention strategies for *Candida auris* are insufficient.
• There is a significant need for the development and implementation of standardized prevention protocols.
• Further research is crucial to address the challenges posed by this multidrug-resistant pathogen.