Candida auris: An emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen of global significance

Candida auris has recently emerged as a serious nosocomial pathogen of global significance. Although initially isolated as an agent of otitis externa from Japanese and South Korean patients, it soon became apparent that C. auris is also a potent bloodstream pathogen. With the introduction of molecular identification methods based on sequencing of rDNA and/or protein profiling, C. auris is now increasingly being isolated from clinical specimens throughout the globe. Infections due to C. auris are hospital-acquired, the organism is intrinsically resistant to multiple antifungal agents and is frequently misidentified by phenotypic methods Early diagnosis of C. auris infections is essential for better clinical outcome and the implementation of infection control measures to prevent nosocomial horizontal transmission. Outbreaks of C. auris infections in hospitalized patients have been reported from U. K., Spain and Venezuela. Since C. auris is associated with high mortality in critically ill patients, a greater awareness of its epidemiology, prevention of intra- and inter-hospital transmission, risk factors, identification methods and optimal treatment options will enable healthcare professionals to effectively manage C. auris infections. This review provides an insight into the current status of this emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen and highlights the need to develop effective management and preventive strategies.