Mortality Rate: The Lethality of Candida auris
Candida auris, a formidable fungal pathogen, poses a significant threat to human health with its high mortality rate. This deadly characteristic primarily stems from its ability to resist various antifungal drugs. While certain strains exhibit resistance to one or two available drug classes, there are those that defy treatment from all three, leaving medical professionals with few options to combat the infection. The transmissibility of C. auris further exacerbates the situation, leading to the clustering of cases in healthcare settings, particularly among vulnerable hospitalized patients.
How Candida Auris Spreads
Unlike other Candida species that usually originate from a person’s own flora, Candida auris is transmitted directly from person to person. This particular species of Candida thrives on the skin, with a preference for areas such as the groin and armpits. Remarkably, it can colonize an individual within a matter of days after exposure.
In addition to person-to-person transmission, C. auris can also be contracted from contaminated surfaces. It has been discovered in patients’ rooms as well as on various objects including chairs, blood pressure cuffs, pumps, ventilators, and beds. What makes this fungus particularly concerning is its ability to survive on surfaces for up to four weeks, significantly increasing the risk of its spread.