Candida auris : What We Need to Know in Healthcare Settings

AbstractPurpose of reviewCandida auris is an emerging pathogen characterized for its difficult identification, rapid nosocomial spread, and limited treatment options. Data is currently limited; however, this will change as the pathogen ’s prevalence increases. The goal of this review is to provide a concise summary of the available data to manage a possibleC. auris infection.Recent findingsCandida auris has been rapidly spreading globally and has been evading popular identification methods with MALDI-TOF being the only successful modality as long as the “research use only” database is used. Echinocandins are the treatment of choice; however, all isolates should have susceptibilities performed as there have been reports of resistance to all antifungal classes. Several hospital outbreaks have occurred; thus, all patients should be isolated with a ppropriate terminal cleaning.SummaryAtypical or suspiciousCandida isolates should be identified by MALDI-TOF. MostCandida auris strains are resistant to azoles; therefore, the suggested empirical treatment is an echinocandin. Echinocandin-resistant strains have been reported, and in those cases, a polyene is preferred. Strict contact precautions are recommended while in the hospital due to high levels of nosocomial transmission.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research