Candida auris

Scientists have identified a genetic mechanism that could help develop new treatment options for the mysterious and highly lethal Candida auris fungus.

What is Candida auris ?

• Candida auris is a fungal pathogen that shows resistance to many common antifungal drugs. This fungus has the ability to survive on human skin, internal parts of the body (such as the intestine), and in the external environment.
• It can enter the human body and cause serious and invasive infections.
• Major infections caused by C. auris include bloodstream infections, meningitis, bone infections, burn or wound infections, and urinary tract infections. This fungus was first identified in Japan in 2009.

Prevalence of Infection

• Most cases of Candida auris have occurred in healthcare institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes.
• It is often spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or from an infected person to another person.
• People with pre-existing medical conditions, recent hospitalizations, or implanted invasive medical devices, such as catheters, are at higher risk of infection.

Effects on the Human Body

C. auris can affect the body in two main ways:

Asymptomatic

In this case, the fungus remains present in a specific area, such as the skin, mouth, or rectum, but the patient does not show any obvious symptoms. However, the infection can spread from one person to another.

Invasive Infection

When it enters the bloodstream or wounds, it can cause a serious and life-threatening infection.

Symptoms

• Its symptoms often resemble those of other common infections, making it difficult to diagnose. The most common symptoms include fever and chills that do not resolve despite antibiotic treatment.
• The mortality rate for patients infected with Candida auris is estimated to be between 30 and 60%.

Treatment

• In most cases, C. auris infections are treated with antifungal drugs from the echinocandin class.
• However, some strains are resistant to even the major antifungal drugs, including this class, complicating treatment.
• In such cases, more than one antifungal drug may need to be used at high doses to control the infection.