Candida auris is an emerging pathogen that poses a significant threat to global public health. It was first identified as a novel Candida species in 2009 and has since spread to 35 countries, with the exception of Antarctica. C. auris is known to cause severe and often fatal nosocomial infections. Due to its variable resistance to many common antifungal agents used to treat Candida infections, it is classified as a multi-drug resistant species.
The increasing prevalence of non-albicans Candida species, including C. auris, is believed to be linked to the overuse of prophylactic antifungal agents such as fluconazole. However, identifying and controlling C. auris infections is complicated because standard yeast identification methods used by laboratories often misidentify this pathogen as other yeasts. This misidentification can lead to delayed or inappropriate treatment and contributes to the spread of in healthcare settings.
C. auris is primarily transmitted in healthcare settings, even in facilities that implement strict infection prevention and control measures. In the United States, it is classified as a nationally notifiable pathogen, meaning that cases must be reported to public health authorities to facilitate tracking and containment efforts. Effective detection and management of C. auris infections are critical to prevent the further spread of this pathogen and mitigate its impact on global public health.
Epidemiology
Candida auris has been identified in multiple geographic regions worldwide. Genetic analysis has revealed the existence of four distinct clades of C. auris: East Asian, South Asian, South American, and South African, with a potential fifth clade arising from Iran. The genetic differences between these clades suggest that C. auris emerged independently in different regions.
While studies suggest that C. auris emerged before 2009, its rapid global spread occurred afterward. As of March 2020, the CDC has reported C. auris isolates in 41 countries, with outbreaks primarily occurring in healthcare settings. In the United States, the CDC has recorded 1092 cases of C. auris as of March 2020, with most cases occurring in New Jersey, New York City, and Illinois.
Epidemiological investigations have indicated that most C. auris strains found in the US were introduced from abroad and belong to the South Asian and South American clades. Despite originating from different clades, most cases acquired the infection in the US healthcare setting, indicating clonal nosocomial transmission. These findings highlight the importance of infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities, including proper hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and appropriate personal protective equipment.
Anatomy
Pathophysiology
Candida auris is a highly contagious fungal infection efficiently transmitted from person to person. Unlike other Candida species, which usually arise from the host’s microflora, C. auris is not considered an inhabitant commensal organism and is not commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. Instead, it has a particular inclination for the skin, especially in the groin and axilla.
Upon exposure, it can colonize a host within a few days to weeks, and invasive infections may develop within days to months after colonization. Once colonization occurs, C. auris may last for many months or indefinitely. The transmission occurs through contact with contaminated fomites and surfaces that shed from infected or colonized patients. Studies have shown that C. auris can be found in patients’ rooms and in electrocardiogram leads, infusion pumps, blood pressure cuffs, and ventilators.
Shared multi-use patient equipment, such as pulse oximeters and temperature probes, may act as reservoirs. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that C. auris can survive on dry or moist surfaces for up to seven days and remain viable for up to four weeks. The high mortality rates associated with C. auris infections are primarily due to the fungus’s ability to develop resistance to multiple antifungal agents. This resistance can make treatment challenging and often ineffective, leading to prolonged infections, severe illness, and death.
Etiology
Candida auris is a type of yeast that is part of the Candida genus, which was first discovered in a Japanese hospital from a sample taken from a patient’s outer ear canal. Through analysis of its genomic DNA, researchers found that it was a distinct species with close phylogenetic relations to Candida haemulonii, Candida ruelliae, C. pseudohaemulonii and C. duobushaemulonii.
The cells of C. auris are ovoid, ellipsoidal to elongate and typically range from 2.5-5.0 mmin size. They can appear separately, in pairs, or in groups, and the yeast rarely forms pseudohyphae. However, under high-salt stress C. auris can be induced to form pseudohyphae-like structures. While the strain of C. auris grows well at 40 degrees Celsius, it exhibits slower growth at 42 degrees Celsius.
Additionally, the cultural medium’s colonial growth can vary depending on the medium used. On Sabouraud agar, C. auris forms smooth, white to cream-colored colonies, while on CHROMagar, it may display many color morphs ranging from pale to dark pink and infrequently beige.
Genetics
Prognostic Factors
Compared to other Candida species, C. auris is linked to a higher mortality rate in cases of invasive infections, with reported rates ranging from 30% to 72%. The mortality rate may vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the infection, the patient’s age, and any underlying health conditions or risk factors.
Infections have been documented in individuals ranging from premature infants to the elderly, with higher survival rates observed in pediatric populations. The key to improving survival rates is the early detection of C. auris, followed by timely treatment with appropriate anti-fungal medications.
Candida auris is an emerging pathogen that poses a significant threat to global public health. It was first identified as a novel Candida species in 2009 and has since spread to 35 countries, with the exception of Antarctica. C. auris is known to cause severe and often fatal nosocomial infections. Due to its variable resistance to many common antifungal agents used to treat Candida infections, it is classified as a multi-drug resistant species.
The increasing prevalence of non-albicans Candida species, including C. auris, is believed to be linked to the overuse of prophylactic antifungal agents such as fluconazole. However, identifying and controlling C. auris infections is complicated because standard yeast identification methods used by laboratories often misidentify this pathogen as other yeasts. This misidentification can lead to delayed or inappropriate treatment and contributes to the spread of in healthcare settings.
C. auris is primarily transmitted in healthcare settings, even in facilities that implement strict infection prevention and control measures. In the United States, it is classified as a nationally notifiable pathogen, meaning that cases must be reported to public health authorities to facilitate tracking and containment efforts. Effective detection and management of C. auris infections are critical to prevent the further spread of this pathogen and mitigate its impact on global public health.
Candida auris has been identified in multiple geographic regions worldwide. Genetic analysis has revealed the existence of four distinct clades of C. auris: East Asian, South Asian, South American, and South African, with a potential fifth clade arising from Iran. The genetic differences between these clades suggest that C. auris emerged independently in different regions.
While studies suggest that C. auris emerged before 2009, its rapid global spread occurred afterward. As of March 2020, the CDC has reported C. auris isolates in 41 countries, with outbreaks primarily occurring in healthcare settings. In the United States, the CDC has recorded 1092 cases of C. auris as of March 2020, with most cases occurring in New Jersey, New York City, and Illinois.
Epidemiological investigations have indicated that most C. auris strains found in the US were introduced from abroad and belong to the South Asian and South American clades. Despite originating from different clades, most cases acquired the infection in the US healthcare setting, indicating clonal nosocomial transmission. These findings highlight the importance of infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities, including proper hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and appropriate personal protective equipment.
Candida auris is a highly contagious fungal infection efficiently transmitted from person to person. Unlike other Candida species, which usually arise from the host’s microflora, C. auris is not considered an inhabitant commensal organism and is not commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. Instead, it has a particular inclination for the skin, especially in the groin and axilla.
Upon exposure, it can colonize a host within a few days to weeks, and invasive infections may develop within days to months after colonization. Once colonization occurs, C. auris may last for many months or indefinitely. The transmission occurs through contact with contaminated fomites and surfaces that shed from infected or colonized patients. Studies have shown that C. auris can be found in patients’ rooms and in electrocardiogram leads, infusion pumps, blood pressure cuffs, and ventilators.
Shared multi-use patient equipment, such as pulse oximeters and temperature probes, may act as reservoirs. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that C. auris can survive on dry or moist surfaces for up to seven days and remain viable for up to four weeks. The high mortality rates associated with C. auris infections are primarily due to the fungus’s ability to develop resistance to multiple antifungal agents. This resistance can make treatment challenging and often ineffective, leading to prolonged infections, severe illness, and death.
Candida auris is a type of yeast that is part of the Candida genus, which was first discovered in a Japanese hospital from a sample taken from a patient’s outer ear canal. Through analysis of its genomic DNA, researchers found that it was a distinct species with close phylogenetic relations to Candida haemulonii, Candida ruelliae, C. pseudohaemulonii and C. duobushaemulonii.
The cells of C. auris are ovoid, ellipsoidal to elongate and typically range from 2.5-5.0 mmin size. They can appear separately, in pairs, or in groups, and the yeast rarely forms pseudohyphae. However, under high-salt stress C. auris can be induced to form pseudohyphae-like structures. While the strain of C. auris grows well at 40 degrees Celsius, it exhibits slower growth at 42 degrees Celsius.
Additionally, the cultural medium’s colonial growth can vary depending on the medium used. On Sabouraud agar, C. auris forms smooth, white to cream-colored colonies, while on CHROMagar, it may display many color morphs ranging from pale to dark pink and infrequently beige.
Compared to other Candida species, C. auris is linked to a higher mortality rate in cases of invasive infections, with reported rates ranging from 30% to 72%. The mortality rate may vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the infection, the patient’s age, and any underlying health conditions or risk factors.
Infections have been documented in individuals ranging from premature infants to the elderly, with higher survival rates observed in pediatric populations. The key to improving survival rates is the early detection of C. auris, followed by timely treatment with appropriate anti-fungal medications.
Coadministration with CYP inducers: 70 mg/m² intravenous every Day, should not exceed more than 70 mg every Day
Hepatic impairment: Safety and efficacy is not established
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563297/
medtigo
Candida Auris
Updated :
March 24, 2023
Candida auris is an emerging pathogen that poses a significant threat to global public health. It was first identified as a novel Candida species in 2009 and has since spread to 35 countries, with the exception of Antarctica. C. auris is known to cause severe and often fatal nosocomial infections. Due to its variable resistance to many common antifungal agents used to treat Candida infections, it is classified as a multi-drug resistant species.
The increasing prevalence of non-albicans Candida species, including C. auris, is believed to be linked to the overuse of prophylactic antifungal agents such as fluconazole. However, identifying and controlling C. auris infections is complicated because standard yeast identification methods used by laboratories often misidentify this pathogen as other yeasts. This misidentification can lead to delayed or inappropriate treatment and contributes to the spread of in healthcare settings.
C. auris is primarily transmitted in healthcare settings, even in facilities that implement strict infection prevention and control measures. In the United States, it is classified as a nationally notifiable pathogen, meaning that cases must be reported to public health authorities to facilitate tracking and containment efforts. Effective detection and management of C. auris infections are critical to prevent the further spread of this pathogen and mitigate its impact on global public health.
Candida auris has been identified in multiple geographic regions worldwide. Genetic analysis has revealed the existence of four distinct clades of C. auris: East Asian, South Asian, South American, and South African, with a potential fifth clade arising from Iran. The genetic differences between these clades suggest that C. auris emerged independently in different regions.
While studies suggest that C. auris emerged before 2009, its rapid global spread occurred afterward. As of March 2020, the CDC has reported C. auris isolates in 41 countries, with outbreaks primarily occurring in healthcare settings. In the United States, the CDC has recorded 1092 cases of C. auris as of March 2020, with most cases occurring in New Jersey, New York City, and Illinois.
Epidemiological investigations have indicated that most C. auris strains found in the US were introduced from abroad and belong to the South Asian and South American clades. Despite originating from different clades, most cases acquired the infection in the US healthcare setting, indicating clonal nosocomial transmission. These findings highlight the importance of infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities, including proper hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and appropriate personal protective equipment.
Candida auris is a highly contagious fungal infection efficiently transmitted from person to person. Unlike other Candida species, which usually arise from the host’s microflora, C. auris is not considered an inhabitant commensal organism and is not commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. Instead, it has a particular inclination for the skin, especially in the groin and axilla.
Upon exposure, it can colonize a host within a few days to weeks, and invasive infections may develop within days to months after colonization. Once colonization occurs, C. auris may last for many months or indefinitely. The transmission occurs through contact with contaminated fomites and surfaces that shed from infected or colonized patients. Studies have shown that C. auris can be found in patients’ rooms and in electrocardiogram leads, infusion pumps, blood pressure cuffs, and ventilators.
Shared multi-use patient equipment, such as pulse oximeters and temperature probes, may act as reservoirs. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that C. auris can survive on dry or moist surfaces for up to seven days and remain viable for up to four weeks. The high mortality rates associated with C. auris infections are primarily due to the fungus’s ability to develop resistance to multiple antifungal agents. This resistance can make treatment challenging and often ineffective, leading to prolonged infections, severe illness, and death.
Candida auris is a type of yeast that is part of the Candida genus, which was first discovered in a Japanese hospital from a sample taken from a patient’s outer ear canal. Through analysis of its genomic DNA, researchers found that it was a distinct species with close phylogenetic relations to Candida haemulonii, Candida ruelliae, C. pseudohaemulonii and C. duobushaemulonii.
The cells of C. auris are ovoid, ellipsoidal to elongate and typically range from 2.5-5.0 mmin size. They can appear separately, in pairs, or in groups, and the yeast rarely forms pseudohyphae. However, under high-salt stress C. auris can be induced to form pseudohyphae-like structures. While the strain of C. auris grows well at 40 degrees Celsius, it exhibits slower growth at 42 degrees Celsius.
Additionally, the cultural medium’s colonial growth can vary depending on the medium used. On Sabouraud agar, C. auris forms smooth, white to cream-colored colonies, while on CHROMagar, it may display many color morphs ranging from pale to dark pink and infrequently beige.
Compared to other Candida species, C. auris is linked to a higher mortality rate in cases of invasive infections, with reported rates ranging from 30% to 72%. The mortality rate may vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the infection, the patient’s age, and any underlying health conditions or risk factors.
Infections have been documented in individuals ranging from premature infants to the elderly, with higher survival rates observed in pediatric populations. The key to improving survival rates is the early detection of C. auris, followed by timely treatment with appropriate anti-fungal medications.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563297/
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