Candida auris

An Emerging Antibiotic-Resistant Threat

Asha Elgonda

Graduate Student


Abstract

  • Candida auris is a fungal pathogen that can cause serious infection in humans.
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), C. auris is an emerging global health threat and has been isolated in over 40 countries.
  • Clinical signs of C. auris infections include bloodstream infections, myocarditis, urinary tract infection, surgical wound infections, and skin abscesses.
  • Microbiologists hypothesize C. auris may be multidrug-resistant due to its biofilm formation.
  • Hospitalized ICU patients have a higher risk of contracting C. auris infection, which is especially seen with the current COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and CDC are conducting surveillance of C. auris in hopes of preventing future outbreaks.