Deadly fungal infection 'Candida auris' with death rate of 60% spreading rapidly

05 February 2024 , 12:21

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Candida auris was first identified 15 years ago

A deadly fungal infection with a mortality rate as high as 60 per cent is spreading rapidly across the US, with Washington State confirming its first cases last month.

Named Candida auris, doctors have warned the “nightmare” rare fungal infection is resistant to drugs, has a high fatality rate and spreads easily in medical facilities.

More than one in three patients infected with an invasive form of the fungus die, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned.

After reporting its first case on January 10, 2024, the Seattle and King County last week announced a further three confirmed infections.

Kindred Hospital Seattle First Hill confirmed at the time the patients were asymptomatic and being “appropriately isolated from the rest of the patient population with extra clinical and cleaning precautions to prevent spread."

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Candida auris fungi is an emerging multidrug resistant fungus spreading rapidly across the US

Typically impacting those with weakened immune systems, the deadly fungus is resistant to several common anti-fungal drugs.

First appearing just 15 years ago, the rates of Candida auris have soared in that time. 2021 saw 2,377 confirmed clinical cases in the US, a staggering increase of over 1,200 per cent since 2017. Candida auris can cause infections across the body, the CDC warned, including the bloodstream, open wounds and ears.

While there is not a common set of symptoms, it may present similarly to a bacterial infection. Those infected with Candida auris may spread the fungus without ever becoming sick themselves.

The CDC added: “Someone who is colonized can still transmit C. auris onto surfaces or objects that they contact, which can then spread it to other patients.” If a person is infected with the deadly fungal infection, they should avoid anyone who may be at risk and be placed in a room away.

The CDC said: “C. auris can be misidentified as other types of fungi unless specialized laboratory technology is used. This misidentification might lead to a patient getting the wrong treatment.”

The deadly fungal infection spreads easily in medical facilities, doctors have warned

Despite the high fatality rate for severe infections, the fungus is not thought to be dangerous for healthy adults. However, last year, Dr. Luis Ostrosky, a professor of infectious diseases at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, warned the spread of Candida auris could cause a “nightmare scenario” if left unchallenged.

“It’s a potentially multi-drug resistant pathogen with the ability to spread very efficiently in healthcare settings,” he said. "We’ve never had a pathogen like this in the fungal infection area.”

Researchers remain puzzled at the fungus’ sudden appearance, with some pointing to climate change as a potential factor in its potency and resistance to treatment.

Henry Moore