Candida auris infection

Candida auris Infection

Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen that was first identified in 2009. This highly drug-resistant pathogen has caused outbreaks around the world, primarily in hospitals and long-term care facilities. It is important for healthcare providers to recognize C. auris infection and take the necessary steps to prevent its spread.

Preparation

Healthcare providers should take the following steps to prepare for a potential C. auris infection:

• Educate staff about C. auris and the need to follow CDC infection prevention guidelines.
• Develop protocols for early diagnoses and appropriate reporting.
• Develop a plan to prevent and control outbreaks.
• Be vigilant for unusual clusters of ill patients, particularly in health care facilities.

Procedure

For patients who are suspected of having a C. auris infection, the following steps should be taken:

• Obtain a detailed history of any prior antibiotic or antifungal use.
• Perform a physical exam, with particular attention to vital signs and skin integrity.
• Collect two separate blood samples for C. auris testing, preferably at least two days apart.
• Send the samples to a laboratory for fungal culture.
• Treat any positive samples with antifungal medications.

Types

There are several different types of C. auris infections. These include:

• Invasive C. auris infection: This type of infection is the most severe and can be life-threatening. It occurs when the fungus enters the bloodstream and spreads to other organs, such as the lungs, kidneys, and brain.
• Mucocutaneous C. auris infection: This type of infection is less severe and typically affects the skin, nails, and mucous membranes.
• Asymptomatic C. auris carriage: This type of infection is when a person has the fungus in their body, but does not show any symptoms.

Risks

Anyone can become infected with C. auris, however some individuals are at higher risk than others. Those at higher risk include:

• Patients in hospitals or long-term care facilities.
• Patients who are immunocompromised, or have weakened immune systems due to illness or medical treatment.
• Patients who have received recent antibiotic or antifungal therapy.
• Patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or HIV.

Why is Candida auris important?

Candida auris is an emerging pathogen that can cause severe and life-threatening infections. It is resistant to many common antifungal medications, making it difficult to treat. In addition, C. auris has caused outbreaks in healthcare settings, where it can quickly spread to vulnerable individuals. For these reasons, it is important for healthcare providers to recognize the signs of C. auris infection and take the necessary steps to prevent its spread.

When to suspect Candida auris?

Healthcare providers should suspect C. auris infection in patients who present with the following signs and symptoms:

• Fever.
• Chills.
• Skin rash.
• Cough.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Lethargy.
• Confusion.