C. auris in Wastewater: Current Evidence, Risks, One Health Implications, and Knowledge Gaps

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Public health
• Fungal infectious diseases

Background:

• Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen posing a global health threat.
• Detection of Candida auris in wastewater highlights environmental dissemination concerns and public health implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on Candida auris occurrence in wastewater.
• To analyze concentration, isolation, and identification methodologies.
• To discuss environmental dissemination pathways and regulatory gaps from a One Health perspective.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on Candida auris in wastewater.
• Analysis of methodologies for detection and quantification.
• Discussion of One Health principles and regulatory frameworks.

Main Results:

• Candida auris is detected in wastewater, indicating environmental circulation.
• Wastewater effluents and biosolids are potential dissemination pathways.
• Significant regulatory gaps and lack of standardized data hinder comprehensive analysis.

Conclusions:

• Further interdisciplinary research and surveillance are crucial for understanding Candida auris environmental circulation.
• Standardized analytical workflows and data reporting are needed to strengthen public health and environmental policies.
• Addressing regulatory gaps is essential for managing pathogenic fungi in wastewater byproducts.