Fact Sheets

Candida Auris

WHAT IS IT?

WHY SHOULD I CARE?

Candida auris, a type or yeast infection, is emerging as a global public health concern as a cause of healthcare-associated infections. CDC has identified it as an urgent threat due to recent rising cases and although still considered rare, it has been reported in 30 countries in the last 20 years. Long-term residents with medical lines or tubes entering their body, or who have received antibiotics or antifungal medications, appear to be at highest risk. It is likely that cases are underreported due to the lack of available diagnostic methods and resemblance to other Candida species.

• Infections can be difficult to treat since
they are often resistant to the common
antifungal drugs used to treat infections.

• It can be invasive spreading to multiple
organs through the bloodstream and can
be fatal in as many as 1/3 of cases.

• It can be challenging to identify, so may
lead to inappropriate case management.

• It can be spread through contact with
contaminated surfaces and fomites shed
from infected or colonized patients

• Surface survival has been reported
for days to weeks, and it can persist in
biofilms.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

The most common symptoms are fever and chills that don’t improve after antibiotic treatment for a suspected bacterial infection.
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WHAT DO I DO ABOUT IT?

Following infection control procedures in healthcare settings is vital. These include:


1. Handwashing of soiled hands with soap and water and use of alcohol-based antiseptics when appropriate.


2. Contact precautions including the use of gloves and gowns and proper donning and doffing.


3. Disinfection of patients’ rooms and other areas at least daily with a product effective against Candida species.


4. Research has shown that chlorhexidine gluconate, iodinated povidone, chlorine, and hydrogen peroxide vapor demonstrate effective killing activity against C. auris at concentrations used in clinical practice in in vitro studies. The US EPA has a list of antimicrobial products with claims against Candida auris. It is important that such products are used according to their labeled directions, including the correct contact time.

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