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Rachel V Thomas

Candida auris: US CDC Reports 3,437 Cases of Deadly Superbug In 27 States

The US has reported 3,437 cases of the drug-resistant fungus <span>Candida auris</span> across 27 states so far this year, according to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (<span>CDC</span>).

The figure is about 1,000 fewer than the 4,290 cases reported during the same period last year.

The states reporting the highest number of cases this year are:

<ul><li>California: 873</li><li>Texas: 433</li><li>Tennessee: 283</li></ul>

The CDC clarified that an increase in reported cases does not necessarily mean the fungus is spreading more rapidly than usual.

"An increasing number of cases does not mean the fungus is transmitting at a more rapid pace than usual," the CDC said.

The agency added that while C. auris cases continue to rise every year, the rate of increase has slowed since 2022. 

<h2>Most Strains Resistant to Common <span rel="noindex">Antifungal Drugs</span></h2>

A CDC analysis published earlier this year, based on 8,033 C. auris samples collected in 2022 and 2023, found:

<ul><li>More than 95% were resistant to fluconazole, a first-line antifungal drug.</li><li>15% were resistant to amphotericin B.</li><li>1% were resistant to echinocandins.</li><li>Fewer than 1% were resistant to all three major antifungal drug classes.</li></ul>

Candida auris is a type of fungus that can cause serious infections in the human body. It was first identified in 2009.

The CDC said that the drug-resistant fungus continues to pose a major challenge for hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities because it is difficult to treat and control.

"Candida auris is an emerging yeast that is frequently resistant to antifungal drugs. C. auris can cause invasive infections associated with high mortality and can colonize patients asymptomatically, which facilitates transmission in health care settings," the CDC said.

"Since it was first reported in the United States in 2016, C. auris has been identified in multiple states, with increasing numbers of cases reported annually. Monitoring national trends in cases identified through clinical testing and screening for colonization is critical to guide infection prevention and control efforts," it added.

<h2>Why Is Candida auris So Difficult to Control?</h2>

Unlike many other infections, Candida auris spreads easily through contaminated medical equipment and direct person-to-person contact. It can also survive for long periods on surfaces and is resistant to many commonly used disinfectants, making outbreaks difficult to contain once the fungus enters a healthcare facility.

Health officials say the steady rise in cases each year points to ongoing transmission in healthcare settings.

<ul><li>The bloodstream</li><li>Wounds</li><li>Ears</li><li>Other parts of the body</li></ul>

Symptoms vary depending on the site and severity of the infection. Some people may carry the fungus without showing any symptoms.

The CDC noted that most people who develop Candida auris infections are already seriously ill, making it difficult to determine how much the fungus contributes to death compared with their underlying medical conditions.

The fungus is particularly concerning in hospitals and nursing homes because it can survive on surfaces such as doorknobs, counters, and bed rails. Its resistance to multiple antifungal drugs makes infections difficult to treat and eliminate.

Health Conditions A-Z

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Candida auris

Superbug

drug resistant fungus

Antifungal Drugs

Candida auris infection

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The US has reported 3,437 cases of the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris across 27 states so far this year, according to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).The figure is about 1,000 fewer than the 4,290 cases reported during the same period last year.The states reporting the highest number of cases this year are:California: 873Texas: 433Tennessee: 283The CDC clarified that an increase in reported cases does not necessarily mean the fungus is spreading more rapidly than usual."An increasing number of cases does not mean the fungus is transmitting at a more rapid pace than usual," the CDC said.The agency added that while C. auris cases continue to rise every year, the rate of increase has slowed since 2022. Most Strains Resistant to Common Antifungal DrugsA CDC analysis published earlier this year, based on 8,033 C. auris samples collected in 2022 and 2023, found:More than 95% were resistant to fluconazole, a first-line antifungal drug.15% were resistant to amphotericin B.1% were resistant to echinocandins.Fewer than 1% were resistant to all three major antifungal drug classes.Why Is Candida auris a Concern?Candida auris is a type of fungus that can cause serious infections in the human body. It was first identified in 2009.The CDC said that the drug-resistant fungus continues to pose a major challenge for hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities because it is difficult to treat and control."Candida auris is an emerging yeast that is frequently resistant to antifungal drugs. C. auris can cause invasive infections associated with high mortality and can colonize patients asymptomatically, which facilitates transmission in health care settings," the CDC said."Since it was first reported in the United States in 2016, C. auris has been identified in multiple states, with increasing numbers of cases reported annually. Monitoring national trends in cases identified through clinical testing and screening for colonization is critical to guide infection prevention and control efforts," it added.Why Is Candida auris So Difficult to Control?Unlike many other infections, Candida auris spreads easily through contaminated medical equipment and direct person-to-person contact. It can also survive for long periods on surfaces and is resistant to many commonly used disinfectants, making outbreaks difficult to contain once the fungus enters a healthcare facility.Health officials say the steady rise in cases each year points to ongoing transmission in healthcare settings.Symptoms and Health RisksCandida auris can infect:The bloodstreamWoundsEarsOther parts of the bodySymptoms vary depending on the site and severity of the infection. Some people may carry the fungus without showing any symptoms.The CDC noted that most people who develop Candida auris infections are already seriously ill, making it difficult to determine how much the fungus contributes to death compared with their underlying medical conditions.The fungus is particularly concerning in hospitals and nursing homes because it can survive on surfaces such as doorknobs, counters, and bed rails. Its resistance to multiple antifungal drugs makes infections difficult to treat and eliminate.

candida auris: us cdc reports 3,437 cases of deadly superbug in 27 states

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