Candida auris is a drug-resistant fungus, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reportedly calls this emerging fungus an “urgent threat.” This was after a new study showed that Candida auris has been spreading at a rapid rate in healthcare facilities.
Cases of Candida auris (C. auris) have increased each year since 2016, when it was first reported.
The year 2020 to 2021 showed the fastest increase according to the study published Monday in Annals of Internal Medicine. Cases detected through screening tripled from 2020 to 2021, totaling 4,041. Cases causing infection increased from 476 in 2019 to 1,471 in 2021. 17 states identified their first case of C. auris between 2019 and 2021.
“The rapid increase and geographic spread of cases is concerning and emphasizes the need for continued surveillance, increased laboratory capacity, faster diagnostic testing, and adherence to proven infection prevention and control measures.” said lead author Dr. Meghan Lyman, a CDC epidemiologist.
Researchers were also concerned about the number of infections resistant to echinocandins, the antifungal drug recommended for treatment, which tripled compared to the previous two years.
Fungal infections can be life-threatening for those most at risk in hospital settings, including patients who are very sick, have invasive medical devices, or have long or frequent stays in health care facilities, the agency said.
What is Candida auris or C. auris?
- Candida auris is a drug-resistant fungus that can cause outbreaks in healthcare facilities, according to the CDC.
- This fungus can contaminate the bloodstream and even cause casualties by infesting the blood, heart and brain, the agency said.
- According to studies, more than 1 in 3 patients die from this infection.
- In addition, according to experts, the pathogen is dangerous due to other factors because it is often immune to antifungal drugs commonly used to treat infections.
- It is also difficult to detect without specialized laboratory technology and is often confused with other infections.
- The agency said C. auris was first identified in 2009 in Asia and has spread rapidly around the world.
- In 2015, it began to spread in the US and since then reported cases have reportedly increased by more than 300%.
Candida auris: Symptoms
- It does not always cause infection, although it can be transmitted to the patient’s skin, according to the CDC, making it more contagious.
- According to the agency, it can be difficult to identify when it causes infection.
- This is because it occurs more frequently in patients who already suffer from other diseases and have symptoms.
- Fever and chills that do not improve after antibiotics are given are the most common symptoms of C. auris according to the CDC.
Candida auris: Prevention
Experts said fungal infections, including C. auris, can be difficult to treat because antifungals can be harmful to humans.
That makes prevention key.said Lance B. Price, professor of environmental and occupational health and founder and co-director of the Antibiotic Resistance Action Center at George Washington University.
“The scary thing about Candida auris and any of the drug-resistant fungal infections is how difficult it is to find good, safe antifungals because people and fungi are made of the same stuff.” said Price, who is not affiliated with the CDC study.
Some studies show that most Candida auris infections can be treated with antifungal medications called echinocandins; Some infections have been resistant to the main classes of antifungal medications, making them difficult to treat.
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Source: ptivs2.edu.vn