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Scientists have warned about the dangers of Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus
A group of scientists has warned that a drug-resistant strain of a common fungus now poses a ‘global health threat’. Candida auris (C. Auris) is a type of yeast that can cause severe illness and is easily transmitted among critically ill patients in healthcare facilities.
The fungus can cause a range of infections, from mild skin conditions to more serious, potentially fatal issues such as bloodstream infections. Alarmingly, it often develops resistance to antifungal medications, meaning the fungus can overcome the drugs intended to eliminate it.
This resistance can render medical treatments ineffective. Each year, nearly 6.5 million people globally are affected by fungal infections. The challenge in treating these infections can lead to a mortality rate exceeding 50 per cent, reports Surrey Live.
C. Auris is especially hazardous for individuals with compromised immune systems. First identified in 2009 in the ear canal of a patient in Japan, it has since been found worldwide and was declared a public health threat in India in 2014. C. Auris can infect various parts of the body, including the blood, wounds, and ears.
Symptoms depend on the location and severity of the infection. They may resemble those of bacterial infections, such as fever or chills, but there isn’t a standard set of symptoms specific to C. auris infections.
“Candida auris (Candidozyma auris) is an emerging human fungal pathogen causing disseminated infections of high mortality (30–72%) in individuals with underlying diseases or impaired immunity,” the study reads.
“The pronounced skin tropism and pan-antifungal resistance of Candida auris pose a serious global health threat. A key question in C. auris biology is how clinical isolates acquire amphotericin B resistance.” Patients can carry C. auris on their skin and other bodily areas without displaying symptoms.
Medical professionals describe this condition as ‘colonisation. ‘ Individuals who are colonised can transfer C. auris onto surfaces and objects in their vicinity and to fellow patients.
The research highlights that the fungus is swiftly developing drug resistance through its capacity to transform from a yeast-like growth pattern to a filament-based proliferation method. Additionally, it possesses cell wall proteins that allow it to adhere to human skin “like glue” and establish colonies.
The pathogen features “efflux pumps” within its cell membrane that can expel antifungal medications before they prove lethal. It also clusters together to create sticky biofilm coatings on surfaces, making drug penetration extremely difficult.
Rohini Manuel, consultant medical microbiologist at UKHSA said: “C. auris rarely causes infections in healthy people although it can pose a risk to people in healthcare settings with weakened immune systems. Rates of C. auris in hospitals in England are very low, however they have been rising in recent years.
“UKHSA is working with the NHS to investigate the reasons behind this. Factors may include a rise in the fungus globally. Hospital outbreaks in this country are rare but we are supporting a small number of Trusts to limit the spread of C. auris.”
