Candida auris
Why in news?
Recent research reveals genetic vulnerabilities in Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen posing a global health threat. Scientists identified processes like filamentation and upregulated xenosiderophore transporter genes during infection, offering potential treatment targets.
About Candida auris (C. auris)
- Candida auris (C. auris) is a multidrug-resistant fungus that spreads in healthcare settings and can cause severe infections, especially in hospitalized or immunocompromised patients.
- It is difficult to treat, hard to identify with standard lab methods, and has become a global public health concern.
- This fungus grows as a budding yeast with ellipsoid cells, forming smooth, whitish-gray colonies, and rarely produces hyphae.
- It thrives in warm, high-salt environments, persists on skin, surfaces, and medical devices for weeks, and forms biofilms that enhance its virulence and resistance.​
- Infections caused: Bloodstream infections, wound infections, ear infections.
- Symptoms: Fever, chills, and sepsis-like illness that doesn’t improve with antibiotics.
- Colonization vs. infection: Some people carry C. auris on their skin without symptoms but can still spread it.
- Screening: Patients in hospitals may be tested to see if they carry C. auris.
- Hygiene: Rigorous hand hygiene and cleaning of hospital surfaces are critical.
- Isolation: Infected or colonized patients are often placed in single rooms to prevent spread.
- Special disinfectants: Standard cleaning agents may not work; hospitals use EPA-approved disinfectants effective against C. auris.
- Drug resistance: Many strains are resistant to multiple antifungal medications, including azoles and amphotericin B.
- Difficult detection: Standard lab tests often misidentify it, delaying proper treatment.
- Rapid spread: Outbreaks occur in hospitals and long-term care facilities. In 2023, the U.S. reported 4,514 clinical cases, a sharp rise compared to previous years.
- High-risk patients: Those with weakened immune systems, invasive medical devices (like catheters), or prolonged hospital stays are most vulnerable
- The WHO lists it as a "critical priority" fungal pathogen due to its rapid spread and resistance linked to agricultural antifungal use.​
