What is the fungus Candida auris, where do we meet him and how much should we worry? Answers are given by Aristea Velegraki, professor at the Medical School of EKPArecommending composure and adherence to basic hygiene rules.
Candida auris was first isolated and identified in a patient with ear fungal infection in Japan in 2009. However, retrospective studies have shown that it has existed as a cause of sepsis since 1996, but could not be identified by the laboratory means available at the time. According to Ms. Belegraki, the fungus Candida auris is found in hospitals and in the community. For the past three years, advanced analysis systems used by specialized fungal laboratories have made it even easier to identify the fungus. This has contributed to the recent increase in its frequency.
Published or under-published studies by the Laboratory of Research Mycology, Athens Medical School show that the Candida auris clones, which are most common in Greece, come from India, followed by those from Austria and Kuwait.
How dangerous is the fungus Candida auris
The pathogen poses a threat to Public Healthbecause it has the ability to easily colonize the skin, to be transmitted rapidly from patient to patient in the hospital and to cause a severe prognosis infection, especially in immunosuppressed patients.
In addition, it remains for a long time on the surfaces of objects, while some disinfectants do not neutralize it, says Ms. Velegraki. Some Candida auris strains are resistant to antifungal drugs, making it difficult to treat the infection.
Should we worry?
At present there is no evidence of a large increase or severe outbreak of fungal infections due to Candida auris. It is good to stay cool and follow the advice of experts. The observance of the basic rules of hygiene and the meticulous cleanliness of the areas where we move are the most effective protection and prevention measures for any infection..
The measures we must follow
- We wash our hands regularly and thoroughly, with soap and water and then with an alcoholic solution, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
- We regularly disinfect our hands with an alcoholic solution if we do not have access to soap and water.
- We thoroughly clean and disinfect the surfaces of the places where we live and work.
According to the available data, chlorine is effective in combating Candida auris.
Areas for the care of infants, children and the elderly, as well as patients, such as hospitals, must follow special cleaning and disinfection protocols.
If Candida auris fungal infection is diagnosed in a non-hospitalized patient, the fungus should be fully and accurately identified, as well as an antifungal chart, which shows the susceptibility of the fungus to available drugs. In any case, the instructions of the treating physician should be followed faithfully.
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