Rapid Detection and Diagnostic Surveillance of Candida auris

This technical report discusses the rising threat of Candida auris (C. auris), a fungal species classified by the CDC as an urgent public health risk. Initially reported in Japan in 2009, C. auris has now been identified on all continents except Antarctica, with increasing rates of hospital outbreaks in the U.S. The report outlines research conducted by experts at bioMérieux, which reveals a 95% increase in C. auris isolates from 2020 to 2021. The report emphasizes the importance of rapid diagnostics and surveillance networks to identify and isolate C. auris effectively. It details the challenges in diagnosing C. auris due to its resistance to common antifungal medications and the difficulties in culturing the pathogen. The findings suggest that the Southeast U.S. is experiencing the highest volume of cases, potentially linked to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on healthcare practices. The report concludes with recommendations for healthcare facilities to enhance their infection prevention measures and diagnostic capabilities.