CANDIDA AURIS FUNGUS CONTINUES SPREADING IN U.S HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AS CASES RISE AND RESISTANCE GROWS. (PHOTO).

Candida auris fungus continues spreading in U.S healthcare facilities as cases rise and resistance grows

A drug-resistant fungus that can survive for months on skin and healthcare surfaces is continuing to spread in hospitals and long-term care facilities across the United States, increasing concerns about early detection and infection control.

Candida auris, recently renamed scientifically as Candidozyma auris, is a type of yeast first identified in the U.S. in 2016. Reported cases have increased significantly in recent years, with thousands of clinical infections documented nationwide and the fungus appearing in new regions.

While the rise in cases does not pose a major threat to most healthy people, the infection can be dangerous for patients who are already seriously ill, have weakened immune systems, or require extended medical care. Those using devices such as ventilators, feeding tubes, central lines or urinary catheters face the highest risk.

Unlike many other Candida species, C. auris can spread easily between patients in hospitals, long-term acute-care facilities and nursing homes. It can live on a person’s skin without causing symptoms, allowing someone to unknowingly carry and spread the fungus.

The organism can contaminate surfaces including bed rails, medical equipment and furniture, where it may survive for extended periods. Some commonly used cleaning products are ineffective against it, making proper disinfection and infection-control practices essential.

The fungus can be especially difficult to track because patients may transfer between hospitals, rehabilitation centers and nursing facilities before their colonization is discovered. Without proper communication between healthcare providers, facilities may miss opportunities to isolate cases, screen exposed patients and prevent further spread.

Identifying C. auris can also be challenging because symptoms vary depending on where the infection occurs. Cases involving the bloodstream, wounds, or other body sites may require specialized laboratory testing for accurate diagnosis.

The biggest concern is when the fungus moves beyond the skin and causes invasive infections, which can be life-threatening, particularly for people with serious underlying health conditions. Researchers caution that many patients diagnosed with severe C. auris infections are already critically ill, making it difficult to determine how much the fungus contributes to overall mortality.

Treatment options are limited because of growing drug resistance. Many U.S. cases are resistant to fluconazole, a commonly used antifungal medication. Most infections can still be treated with echinocandins, which are considered a first-line therapy, but some strains have developed resistance to these medications as well. Rare cases resistant to all major antifungal drug classes have also been reported.

Healthcare experts emphasize that people who carry the fungus on their skin without symptoms do not typically need antifungal treatment. Medication is reserved for confirmed infections.

Patients and families can help reduce the risk of spread by practicing good hand hygiene, including using hand sanitizer or washing with soap and water before and after contact with patients, medical equipment or nearby surfaces.

Anyone who has previously tested positive for C. auris should inform all healthcare providers, hospitals and long-term care facilities involved in their treatment. Patients who have recently received care in facilities with known outbreaks may also need additional screening.

Families can ask healthcare facilities whether staff members are following recommended protective measures, whether shared equipment is properly disinfected and whether cleaning products used are effective against C. auris.

Hospitals may use special precautions, including private rooms, gowns and gloves, for patients carrying or infected with the fungus. These steps are designed to protect other vulnerable patients and prevent further transmission.

For people outside healthcare settings, the risk remains low. Regular handwashing and proper hygiene are the most important steps, and preventive use of antifungal medications is not recommended unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional.