Candida Auris and its Rapid Expansion

Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant yeast fungus that lives commensally on people's skin, has been a growing threat throughout the United States (US) and the rest of the world.

Since its discovery in 2009, C. auris has been identified on every continent except Antarctica and has divided into as many as six identifiable subgroups (Cade I – VI).

A recent analysis showed that in the US, cases increased by 318% in 2018 compared to reported cases from 2015-2017. They also showed that infection due to C. auris has an overall mortality rate of 29% to 62%.

Given these figures, state and local health departments across the US have leveraged funding provided during the COVID-19 pandemic to bolster their response to this growing threat.

However, without continued and dedicated funding streams to address this issue in earnest, it is entirely possible that these efforts will come to an abrupt halt once COVID–19 funding is no longer available.

Therefore, in order to continue to address the proliferation of C. auris and prevent further spread, this paper recommends that policymakers provide continued financial and political support to health departments so they can maintain – or expand – their efforts to contain Candida auris.

Author: Kristian Clausell-Mobley

Editor: Laura Coburn