Candida auris, an Emerging Fungal Pathogen

Abstract

The emerging pathogen “Candida auris” is attracting considerable international attention due to its rising reports, transmission through health professionals, high rate of treatment failure and resistance to multiple antifungal agents, particularly fluconazole. In spite of the global emergence of C. auris, epidemiological data and true prevalence of infections due to this organism are not clearly determined due to incapability of conventional and biochemical identification methods. Consequently, this species is erroneously identified as C. haemulonii or Rhodotorula glutinis because of their close phenotypical and biochemical resemblance. Therefore, awareness of serious menace posed by C. auris is of great importance for physicians and health laboratory personnel. This awareness could play a beneficial role in prevention of healthcare-associated outbreaks, timely and definite diagnosis, prompt initiation of C. auris-targeted therapy, and subsequently improving treatment outcomes. This review aimed to discuss the epidemiology, drug resistance, diagnostic challenges, the mode of transmission, and the strategies for prevention of C. auris-related infections.

Keywords

• candida auris
• cross infection
• emerging pathogen
• drug resistance