‘Candida Auris’, Deadly Fungal Infection Have Been Reported In U.S.

United States clinicians and doctors have feared "Candida auris" that has been spreading around the world. Since June 2016, almost three dozen people in U.S. have been diagnosed with this highly and deadly drug-resistant fungal infection.

According to The Washington Post, "Candida auris" has been reported in five continents starting in 2009.It was found in an ear infection in Japan and has been reported in Colombia, India, Kenya, Israel, Kuwait, Pakistan, South Korea, Venezuela, and United Kingdom.

"Candida auris" is a type of yeast that can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body causing serious invasive infections. This type of fungal infections does not respond to commonly used antifungal drugs, making it super resistant and difficult to treat.

 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been concerned and raising warnings regarding infections caused by "Candida auris".The fungi has been isolated from respiratory and urine specimens but has proven to has caused bloodstream infections, wound infections, and ear infections. The risk factors for this fungi are similar to other types of Candida infections which includes; recent surgery, diabetes, broad-spectrum antibiotics and anti-fungal use, and central venous catheter use.

Since CDC issued this warning in June, the agency has released funds and further expertise to augment regional laboratories and hospitals to identify "Candida auris". In the United States, the largest number of cases was reported in New York with at least 28. The infections have also been reported in Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.

"Candida auris" belongs to the group of newly emerging drug-resistant hazards, as stated by health officials. The CDC now continues to survey and update the number of infections. Aside from the 35 infected patients, additional 18 were known as carriers but are not sick.

From the seven "Candida auris" cases that were reported last fall, four patients suffered from bloodstream infections and died weeks to months from the discovery of the disease. The cause of mortality was unsure if it is caused by the infections since all individuals have serious medical conditions.