Candidozyma Auris pathogenic fungus spreads rapidly in hospitals in Europe, according to a report published on Thursday, September 11, by the European Center for disease prevention and control (ECDC).
Patient in a photo hospital: Archive
Candidozyma Auris, previously known as Candida Auris, is a yeast type fungus, identified for the first time in Japan in 2009. Since then it has spread to several regions of the world, especially in hospitals.
“Five countries – Spain, Greece, Italy, Romania and Germany – have concentrated most of the cases registered in the last decade”ECDC said in a statement, quoted by Agerpres.
The fungus is resistant to multiple drugs and can cause serious infections in vulnerable patients.
Its ability to survive on various areas and medical devices and to be transmitted from one person to another through the so-called contact infections makes it particularly difficult to control, the ECDC stressed. To the difference of coronavirus, the pathogen is not transmitted through air.
The study of the sanitary authority shows a rapid increase in cases of infection with this fungus in the EU and in the European economic space.
Between 2013 and 2023, over 4,000 cases were recorded in the region – of which 1,346 in 2023.
ECDC notes in the report that these figures represent only “The tip of the iceberg ”, because many countries do not systematically record cases of infection with this fungus.
According to the EU, national efforts to detect, monitor and rapidly implement measures to limit Candidozyma Auris could reduce impact on patients in European hospitals.
Focal Floreasca Emergency Clinical Hospital in Bucharest
On August 13, a dangerous fungus was detected in four patients admitted to the ATI 1 section of Floreasca Hospital. The hospital was at the center of a scandal after a patient treated in the Big Arși center (which now has the suspended activity) arrived in a hospital in Belgium with several hospital infections. Among them, Candida Auris, a dangerous fungus that can even put the lives of patients in danger.
Dr. Emilian Popovici, primary epidemiologist, vice -president of the Romanian Epidemiology Society, explained for “Adevărul” that this type of fungus has become a significant threat to global health, due to its resistance to multiple antifungal medication.
“Identified for the first time in 2009, this fungus can cause severe infections, especially in immunocompromised people, leading to high rates of mortality. One of the main concerns about Candida Auris is its ability to survive on various surfaces in medical units, which makes it difficult to eradicate it and increases the risk of outbreaks. In addition, it can be wrongly identified in laboratories, complicating diagnosis and treatment. The combination of its resistance, the potential for rapid spread and detection difficulties make Candida Auris a pathogen considered risk in modern medicine ”explains Dr. Popovici.
What to do after discovering a Candida Auris outbreak
Immediate isolation of patients affected by Candida Auris is the first, essential measure, which hospitals must adopt in case of an outbreak, to prevent transmission.
“This may involve the revision of patient files and carrying out hospital environment. Communication with public health authorities is essential for the reporting of the outbreak and receiving guidance on isolation strategies ”shows Dr. Popovici. In addition, educating the personnel on Candida Auris, its transmission and prevention strategies should be prioritized to ensure that all the staff is informed and vigilant, adds the doctor.
