Candida auris (Candida auris) is recognized as a dangerous and treatment-resistant fungus that is rapidly spreading and poses a serious threat to public health worldwide. This fungus was first identified in 2009 in the ear of a patient in Japan and has since raised serious concerns among health professionals due to its specific characteristics.
Dangerous Characteristics of Candida Auris
Candida auris is capable of surviving at higher temperatures and in salty environments, specifically growing in areas such as the ear, armpit, and groin of humans. This fungus adheres strongly to the skin and hair follicles and sticks to various surfaces, including floors and hospital beds that are typically designed to prevent contamination. Additionally, Candida auris is resistant to antifungal medications and is not easily eliminated by common disinfectants. These characteristics allow this fungus to be easily transmitted through physical contact or contaminated surfaces.
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Spread of the Fungus and Its Consequences
Since the first reports, Candida auris has significantly spread and is currently reported in over 80 countries and six continents. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this fungus one of the highest priority fungal threats in the world. In the United States, thousands of infection cases are reported each year, and the CDC has stated that this fungus has infected over 3,000 people in 27 states this year. Up to 60% of individuals infected with this fungus lose their lives.
According to Dr. Tom Chiller, a fungal infection specialist, Candida auris has become a persistent problem in some states in the U.S. This reality indicates a concerning trend: dangerous fungi are increasingly finding new opportunities for infection, and human activities are accelerating this trend.
Climate change and the overuse of antifungal medications in medicine and agriculture are considered major factors in the spread of this fungus. According to Dr. Andrey Spack, a fungal infection specialist, we are creating a suitable environment for pathogenic fungi and drug resistance, leading to an increase in the virulence and treatment evasion of these fungi.
Researchers believe that Candida auris, which likely originated from marine ecosystems, has become resistant to salty conditions and high temperatures over time. This fungus can now survive at temperatures of 107 degrees Fahrenheit.
Candida auris is not the only threat seeking new hosts. In South America, a new fungal pathogen is harming cats and humans, and some molds that previously only infected plants are now also making humans sick. A report published in 2021 described the first case of human infection caused by a mold that previously only harmed trees. Since then, two more cases have been identified in the United States.
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