Candida auris or C. auris infection is a fungal infection most commonly found in the elderly, particularly in people who are already sick and do not have the strength to fight off C. auris. The fungus is most commonly found in certain communal areas like hospitals or retirement homes. These are known as healthcare associated infections. C. auris is known for not being very responsive to anti-fungal medication, making it difficult to treat.
The most common symptoms of a C. auris infection are chills and a fever. C. auris can be very difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic symptoms of other diseases. Many people who have C. auris are already sick. Additionally, it’s hard to diagnose C. auris due to the need for a laboratory test. At first glance, it’s often misdiagnosed as another fungal disease.
If you’re experiencing a fever and chills that are not responding to antibiotics or antifungals, you may be experiencing a C. auris infection. It’s important to see a doctor right away.
C. auris is spread through contact with objects that the fungus is living on or from person to person. People who carry the fungus on their skin without getting infected help facilitate the spread of C. auris in healthcare settings. Hospitals and retirement homes are easy targets for C. auris due to the amount of people coming and going every day, from regular staff to visiting friends and family. Infection occurs once the fungus enters the body.
Risk factors for C. auris include already being sick, having a tube or a catheter in your body, frequent hospital trips, residing in a retirement home or nursing home, having a lot of health issues, open wounds, taking a lot of antibiotics or antifungals, and having had surgery recently.
Although the elderly are most at risk, C. auris can occur in anyone at any age.
C. auris needs targeted lab testing to be accurately diagnosed. A panel of specialised blood tests will look at your complete blood cell count to evaluate your immune response, attempt to culture the bacteria in a lab, and test for a specific chemical found on C. auris. Your doctor may suggest targeted C. auris testing if you have tested positive for C. auris in the past or if you have any risk factors for C. auris.
Complications of C. auris infection include blood infection, organ failure, and death.
Despite its reputation for being drug-resistant, C. auris will initially be treated with one anti-fungal medication. If it does not respond, your provider may try another type of antifungal medication, prescribe two at once, or prescribe a higher dose.
Patient outcomes of C. auris depend on the health of the person, how much the infection has spread, and the severity of the infection.
Steps can be taken to prevent the spread of C. auris. These include:
Following prevention protocols can contribute significantly to stopping the spread of C. auris.