By: Nakya Harris
Candida auris (C.auris), a drug-resistant fungal infection, presents a serious global health threat, the Centers for Disease Control said.
In the most recent report from the CDC, there are over 2,000 clinical cases and nearly 6,000 screening cases. Clinical cases are confirmed or likely cases. On the other hand, screening cases are patients that may have been asymptomatic and were still tested for the fungus. These numbers are from January 2022 through December 2022.
“Fungi are a diverse group of organisms, some of which cause infection in plants and animals, Sara Gremillion, a biology professor at Georgia Southern University said. “For example, ringworm and athlete's foot are caused by fungal pathogens.”
Gremillion adds that C. auris can be found living in the environment but some have been found living on the human body. Oftentimes, this is not causing any infection or disease.
Dr. Ricardo Zegarra-Linares, an infectious disease physician at Memorial Health University Medical Center, said that candida has been present for a long time. However, this particular species and/or strain is currently showing more activity and resistance.
This fungal infection has been gaining attention because it is drug-resistant, which means it can be deadly for individuals dealing with this. About 30% to 60% of people have died from this infection, however these numbers are from a restricted amount of patients, the CDC said.
When asking Gremillion why this fungus is resistant to antifungal drugs, she said antifungal drugs do not often kill 100% of the yeast that is infecting the body. When different strains are developed, that resistance is passed along to their offspring. Yeast, such as C.auris, has the genetic advantage of avoiding the effects of antibiotics.
So, what does this mean for an individual with a healthy immune system? C.auris has received increased attention over the past few months. Many people question whether or not this will be the next global pandemic.
Dr. Zegarra explained that individuals who have underlying health issues or are immunocompromised should be worried about this. Individuals in hospice, on medication, or dealing with chronic illnesses are a few examples.
“This is not something that is going to spread like Coronavirus or any pandemic,” Dr. Zegarra said. “It is not like a virus.”
Gremillion adds that she does not think this will be the next global pandemic considering people with healthy immune systems typically fight off yeast. For example, individuals with diabetes, those who underwent chemotherapy or had COVID-19 are put into the high-risk category.
When asked what symptoms should we watch out for, Gremillion says that fever, infected or irritated skin can be an indicator of C.auris or any fungal infection.
“Make sure you are washing your hands and have good hygiene,” Dr. Zegarra responded when asked what should people do to keep themselves and others safe.