Esta entrada también está disponible en: ES (Spanish)
It was warned about the risk of contracting Candida auris infections to people with weakened immune systems, such as hospitalized patients, elderly people, and those with chronic diseases, as they may suffer serious complications.
Candida auris is a species of fungus that has caused concern worldwide, including in the United States, due to its resistance to multiple antifungal medications and its ability to cause outbreaks of serious infections in hospital settings and other healthcare facilities.
It was first identified in 2009 in Japan, but since then it has been reported in several countries, including the United States, due to its high mortality rate and its increase since 2021 with thousands of cases detected worldwide.
Over the years, this species of fungus, Candida auris, has multiplied in appearance and detection worldwide, which is why health authorities have issued warnings about its emergence and growth.
Candida auris is a pathogenic fungus that can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems, such as hospitalized patients, elderly individuals, and people with chronic medical conditions.
Infection with Candida auris can manifest in various forms, including bloodstream infections, ear infections, and urinary tract infections. In severe cases, it can lead to sepsis and have a high mortality rate.
According to health authorities in the United States, Candida auris has a mortality rate of 30-60 percent; however, studies have shown that many of the victims had serious underlying illnesses, meaning it could exacerbate specific situations.
What makes Candida auris particularly concerning is its resistance to conventional antifungal medications, making it difficult to treat infections.
Furthermore, Candida auris is difficult to identify using conventional diagnostic methods, which can result in inadequate treatment and a greater risk of infection spread.
The spread of Candida auris in hospital and healthcare settings is particularly concerning due to the vulnerability of patients in these settings and the potential for outbreaks.
The dangerousness of Candida auris and recommendations
The fungus can persist on surfaces and medical equipment, making transmission between patients easier. Therefore, US authorities have identified Candida auris as an emerging threat to public health and have issued guidelines for its prevention and control in healthcare facilities.
Among the recommendations is that hospitals and other healthcare facilities follow strict infection control protocols, including proper hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and medical equipment, and isolation of infected patients.
Moreover, research is being conducted to develop new medications to combat Candida auris.
Also, the United States states that Candida auris is a fungus that spreads easily in hospital and healthcare settings, both through direct contact with infected patients and through contaminated surfaces.
This has led to outbreaks in hospitals and long-term care facilities, making it difficult to control and eradicate.
Also, the United States warned that people with weakened immune systems, such as hospitalized patients, elderly individuals, and people with chronic diseases, are at higher risk of contracting Candida auris infections and suffering serious complications.
Prevention and control of the spread of this fungus are crucial to protect public health and reduce the impact of drug-resistant infections, given its resistance to antifungal medications and its ability to rapidly spread in healthcare settings.
Sources: Milenio/El Financiero/CNN
