(NEXSTAR) – Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health have gained insights into the causes of clinical cases of Candida auris, a rapidly spreading and perilous drug-resistant fungus.
This month, a study was published that examined patients who encountered the fungus between 2019 and 2023, identifying seven risk factors. Notably, severe cases were more prevalent among patients reliant on tube feeding, those confined to bed, or unable to be moved.
Moreover, individuals with five or more comorbidities, those who have four or more invasive devices, such as catheters or intravenous lines, or who’ve undergone three or more recent medical procedures face a greater risk of developing a Candida infection.
Age also plays a role; a review indicated that individuals aged 50 to 64 are particularly vulnerable, according to Becker’s Hospital Review.
This research aligns with what has been discovered about Candida auris since its presence was first identified in the U.S. in 2016. The number of cases has consistently increased, notably tripling in just a few months this year.
The CDC labels this fungus as an “urgent antimicrobial resistance threat” due to its ability to overcome treatments designed to eliminate it.
“If you’re infected with this pathogen against which no treatment is effective, you’re essentially left to manage it on your own,” stated Melissa Nolan, assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of South Carolina, as noted by nextstar.
While those with healthy immune systems may fend off infections, Candida auris often flourishes in healthcare settings, particularly where individuals are ill and susceptible.
This fungus can persist on surfaces like countertops, doorknobs, and even skin, facilitating the spread to at-risk patients. Those with devices like catheters, breathing tubes, feeding tubes, or PICC lines are at heightened risk, as pathogens can enter the body through these means.
A study from July focused on Candida patients mainly in Nevada and Florida, where over half required admission to intensive care, and a significant percentage needed a ventilator. The average patient age was around 60 to 64 years, with more than half also needing blood transfusions.
According to the CDC, “Based on data from a limited number of patients, 30 to 60 percent of those who develop C. auris infections may die. However, many of these individuals had other serious conditions that contributed to their risk of death.”
