An emerging yeast pathogen posing distinct challenges for laboratory diagnostics, treatment, and infection prevention

Abstract

Context.—Candida auris is an emerging yeast species that was first described in 2009. This ascomycetous yeast is notable for resistance to azole antifungal agents, for environmental persistence, and for its ability to contaminate health care environments, resulting in patient colonization and nosocomial infections. Objective.—To review the state of current knowledge addressing challenges in the accurate identification of C auris in the diagnostic microbiology laboratory, including application of phenotypic, proteomic, and genomic methodologies; characteristics that may predispose the human host to acquiring C auris; transmission; clinical presentations; treatment modalities; environmental decontamination; and infection prevention in health care settings. Data Sources.—The PubMed search engine was used to access peer-reviewed literature published from 2009 to 2019. Conclusions.—The rapid emergence of C auris has presented unique challenges for the areas of laboratory diagnostics and infection prevention and in options for antifungal treatment, which are limited. The current lack of established antifungal susceptibility test breakpoints complicates therapeutic decision making. Enhanced awareness of this pathogen is essential to monitor outbreaks and to reduce the risk of spread within health care environments.