You've probably heard that new diseases are emerging that didn't exist before? That's what Candida auris is. It's a fungal infection that's a bit dangerous and difficult to control with medication. It especially affects people in hospitals and those with weakened immune systems. Shall we talk more about this?
What is Candida auris?
Simply put, Candida auris is a tiny organism, a fungus to be exact. While other Candida species of fungi sometimes live on our bodies normally, this guy called Candida auris is not. He is not a normal person on our bodies. It is only when he gets inside that problems arise. Here are some things that can happen:
- Ear infections.
- Wound infections.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Infections that enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.
Why do you say this is so dangerous?
There are two main reasons for this. One is that this fungus is resistant to many antifungal drugs . This means that it cannot be controlled by several of the medications we usually give for fungal infections. It is similar to how some bacteria become resistant to antibiotics and become ineffective. The other is that it often spreads in places like hospitals or long-term care facilities . Then, it can easily spread to people who are already suffering from other diseases and have weak immune systems.
How common is this?
In fact, Candida auris infections are still not very common . However, since 2019, there has been a slight increase in the number of reported cases. That is why doctors consider it an emerging infectious disease . Hospitals and healthcare facilities are now taking special measures to prevent its spread.
What are the symptoms of a Candida auris (C. auris) infection?
The symptoms that appear in this case vary depending on where the infection is located . Some common symptoms may include:
- Having a fever
- Feeling like you're going cold
- Feeling very tired
- Lowering blood pressure
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Hypothermia (low body temperature)
- An ear infection can cause ear pain, pressure, or a feeling of fullness in the ear.
But there's more to it. Most often, this Candida auris infection occurs in people who already have other serious illnesses. So, the symptoms of this can overlap with the symptoms of their other illnesses, and they may not even be recognized . Also, some people may have this fungus in their bodies but not show any symptoms. However, it's important to remember that they can still spread it to others.
How does Candida auris spread?
You can get a Candida auris infection by coming into contact with someone who has the fungus (even if they don't have symptoms) or by touching a surface that has the fungus on it . For example, in a hospital, it can be spread from person to person or through unclean medical equipment. It can also be spread through medical equipment that is placed inside your body, such as a central venous line, breathing tube, feeding tube, or bladder catheter .
So is this wind-borne?
No, according to medical experts, Candida auris is not airborne . It is usually carried on our skin. From there, it spreads from person to person or through contaminated objects.
Who is at higher risk of developing Candida auris (C. auris) infections?
Candida auris infections often occur in people who have a weakened immune system due to another underlying health condition. You may also be at higher risk if you:
- If you use an internal device such as a central venous line, breathing tube, feeding tube, or bladder catheter, it is easy for the fungus to enter the body from the outside through these.
- If you have a disease like blood cancer or diabetes mellitus .
- If you are staying in a hospital or other healthcare facility for a long time .
- If you have recently undergone surgery .
- If you have been taking antibiotics for a long time , or if you take antibiotics frequently.
What are the possible complications of Candida auris (C. auris) infection?
If this Candida auris fungus spreads into your bloodstream , it can cause serious complications. For example:
- Sepsis : This is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs in response to an infection in the body.
- Shock : This means that the body's organs are not receiving enough blood and oxygen.
- Organ failure : Loss of function of vital organs such as the kidneys and liver.
How do doctors diagnose this? (Diagnosis)
To be honest, it's a bit tricky to diagnose a Candida auris infection. It requires special tests. Sometimes it's confused with other infections. If you have symptoms of a bacterial infection that don't go away with antibiotics, your doctor may suspect C. auris. They'll then take a sample of your body and test it for the fungus. Samples might include:
- Blood
- Urine
- Stool
- Fluid or tissue taken from a wound
- A swab taken from the groin, armpit, ear, vagina, or rectum.
Can a Candida auris (C. auris) infection be cured?
A Candida auris infection is usually treated with a class of drugs called echinocandins . However, as mentioned earlier, some strains of this fungus are resistant to these drugs , making them difficult to treat. In such cases, doctors may need to combine several drugs to get rid of the infection.
How dangerous is this really? What is the mortality rate?
The problem here is that many people who develop C. auris already have other serious illnesses and are at high risk of death. Therefore, it is difficult to say exactly what the mortality rate is for C. auris . However, a few limited studies have shown that this rate can be as high as 30% to 60% . This means that this is not something to be taken lightly.
How do we avoid this? (Prevention)
Doctors and staff in hospitals and healthcare facilities follow various safety and disinfection rules to prevent hospital-acquired infections like Candida auris. Some of these include:
- Wash your hands thoroughly .
- Disinfecting surfaces .
- Ensure that antibiotics are only given to people with bacterial infections .
- Sterilization of medical equipment .
- If there is suspicion that this disease is spreading in an area, patients and those coming to the hospital should be tested .
- Isolation of people with Candida auris infection to prevent transmission to others .
You too can help prevent this.
Wash your hands often and thoroughly . This is especially important if you are caring for someone with a weakened immune system or if you are with someone who has recently spent a long time in the hospital. You can also ask your doctor how long you should keep any medical devices, such as catheters, in your body.
When should I see my doctor?
Even when you're in the hospital, it's important to maintain good communication with your medical team. Let them know if you're experiencing any symptoms of infection, such as pain, increased heart rate, weakness, or fever .
What should I ask my doctor?
You may find it helpful to ask your doctor questions like these:
- What treatment options do I have?
- When can I expect to get well?
- How did I get this infection?
- What can I do to prevent this type of infection from occurring in the future?
Finally, things to remember
Candida auris infections are rare, but they can be serious . Your doctors and healthcare workers are working hard to keep hospitals and long-term care facilities safe. In fact, most people don't need to worry about C. auris because it doesn't cause infections easily in people with healthy immune systems.
However, if you or a loved one has any concerns about this, don't hesitate to talk to a doctor about it. They can answer any questions you may have and give you more information about how to prevent this.
The most important thing is to be aware and follow proper health habits!
` Candida auris, Candida auris, fungal infection, hospital infections, drug resistance, sepsis, infection prevention
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