Candida auris: Symptoms to prevention, all about the deadly fungal infection spreading in US
PLAY NOWThe outbreak of a rare fungal infection Candida auris has sparked concerns in United States. Most recently, four people in Washington have been tested positive for the deadly infection, however no deaths have been reported so far since detection of the first case in July. Candida auris is known to cause outbreaks in healthcare facilities and patients who spend a long time in hospitals are at risk. The fact that C. auris infections are resistant to three primary categories of antifungal medications and may not show symptoms even after spreading throughout the body adds to the trouble in treating them. While the infection isn't very common, it can cause severe disease with high mortality rate, is resistant to drugs and has spreads very fast. (Also read | Washington state sees outbreak of deadly Candida auris infection; know symptoms and ways to prevent it)
What is Candida auris?
Candida auris was first identified in the year 2009 in Japan in a patient’s ear secretion. The infection can stay on surfaces for at least two weeks as per study, whereas Covid can only survive for three days.
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"Candida auris is a type of yeast that can cause serious infections, particularly in hospital settings. It's concerning because it's often resistant to multiple antifungal medications, making it difficult to treat. Symptoms of Candida auris infection can include fever, chills, and body aches. Treatment usually involves antifungal medications, but because of its resistance profile, treatment options can be limited. Management strategies focus on infection control measures in healthcare settings to prevent its spread. It's important to closely follow updates from health authorities for the latest information and guidance regarding outbreaks," says Dr Aditya S Chowti, Senior consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru.
"Candida auris is a formidable fungal pathogen causing outbreaks, particularly in healthcare facilities. It poses a significant threat due to its resistance to multiple antifungal drugs, rendering treatment challenging. Its ability to persist on surfaces and spread between patients makes containment efforts complex," says Dr Darshana Reddy, MBBS, MD, DNB Internal Medicine, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Altius hospital, HBR layout.
“Candida auris is a fungal infection that may lead to Candidiasis (a dangerous and potentially lethal disease). This infection usually spreads in hospitals, nursing homes or long-term care facilities. It can cause ear infections, wound infections, urinary tract infections and Infections in your blood that may transmit to the rest of your body known as candidemia or candida sepsis.You may get it from contaminated surfaces or from other people who are infected with Candida auris infection,” says Dr Santosh Kumar Agrawal, Senior consultant-Internal Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad.
Symptoms of Candida auris
The fungus can infect an open wound or lungs or can enter though bloodstream. It has a wide range of symptoms.
"The infection manifests with symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches, which can escalate rapidly, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Its elusive nature often delays diagnosis, allowing it to spread stealthily within healthcare environments," as per Dr Reddy.
Who's at risk?
“People who have a weakened immune system, blood cancer, diabetes, Been in a hospital or another healthcare facility for a long term, undergone surgery recently, been on antibiotics for a long time, or use them frequently and having a central venous line, breathing tube, feeding tube, bladder catheter or another device that goes into your body are at higher risk of this infection. If infection is left untreated, it can cause serious complications like sepsis, shock and organ failure,” says Dr Agarwal.
How to treat Candida auris
"Treatment primarily revolves around antifungal medications, yet the limited efficacy of conventional drugs against Candida auris strains underscores the urgency for novel treatment approaches. Moreover, the potential for resistance development further complicates therapeutic interventions. In this situation, multiple antifungals at high doses may be required to treat the infection," says Dr Reddy.
“Initially Patients are prescribed some anti-fungal drug to cure this infection. In case, the infection becomes resistant to common antifungal medications, making it hard to treat, then a combination of medications is advised,” says Dr Agarwal.
How to manage the infection
Management strategies emphasize stringent infection control measures within healthcare settings. These encompass enhanced cleaning protocols, strict adherence to hand hygiene, patient isolation, and surveillance to promptly identify and contain outbreaks, says Dr Reddy.
