Potentially deadly 'superbug' fungus is spreading faster in the US

The artist’s interpretation of what the fungus Candida auris looks like. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

fungus Candida aurisIt is highly contagious and can cause fatal infections.

C. auris A fungal species of yeast that infects humans and can spread through the blood to major organs. This infection occurs most frequently in health care and long-term care facilities and is rare in healthy individuals. However, it can often be fatal for people with weakened immune systems or for those who regularly undergo invasive treatments for other illnesses.

first time C. auris Infection was documented in Japan in 2009, and the fungus has since been found in many other countries, including the United States, where the first case was confirmed in 2016. The number of cases began to rise sharply around the worldand it still “presents a serious global health threat” today. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (opens in new tab).

In a new study published in the journal March 21, Annals of internal medicine (opens in new tab)the researchers conducted a new evaluation C. auris Number of recorded cases in the United States between 2019 and 2021. A total of 10,683 cases were recorded during this period. Of these, 3,270 cases were clinically acquired, meaning that patients were symptomatic before being tested, and 7,413 cases were screening colonization. It’s a fungus, but I had no symptoms before being tested at my routine screening. People who carry the fungus can still spread the pathogen and develop symptoms of the disease later.

Related: The cause of the mysterious brain-invading fungus outbreak is finally found

An elderly woman wearing a respirator in a hospital.

Immunocompromised patients who receive regular hospital care are more likely to die from C. audis infection. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

The number of clinical infections increased year-on-year during the study period. In 2019 there was a 44% increase compared to 2018. In 2020, there was a 59% surge compared to 2019. There was a 95% jump in 2021 compared to 2020 (the study did not include data on clinical infection deaths).

This indicates that infection rates are likely increasing, the study’s lead author Doctor Megan Lyman (opens in new tab)A CDC medical officer told Live Science by email. “From 2021 onwards, the number of cases will continue to rise,” she added.

The number of screening colonies also increased significantly during the study period. However, this is due in part to an increase in the number of screening tests. In 2019, 19,756 tests were conducted nationwide, and in 2021, there will be over 40,000. This suggests colonization numbers may be underreported due to lack of screening tests, which could contribute to the spread of the disease, Lyman said. .

Number of States Recorded C. auris The number of cases has also increased, from 10 states in 2018 before investigations began to 27 states in 2021.

Another key finding of the new study is that C. auris increasingly resistant to treatment.

“There are only three main classes of antifungal drugs used for treatment. Candida Infectious diseases: azoles, polyenes, echinocandins,” Lyman said. C. auris The case is resistant to azoles and a high percentage of polyenes.However, the number of echinocandin-resistant cases is C. auris remains very low, making echinocandins the preferred treatment option. C. aurissaid Lyman.

However, in recent years, the number of cases of echinocandin resistance has increased. Between 2016 and 2019, he had 6 cases reported, 6 more in 2020, and 19 in 2021. But new antifungal drugs are in the early stages of being developed to help treat future infections, Lyman said.

ever since C. auris Researchers believe that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may have played a role in the spread of the fungus, as it is primarily transmitted in hospitals and other healthcare settings.

“Before the COVID-19 pandemic, a gap in case detection and infection control existed, which may be due to the pandemic-related burden on healthcare and public health systems. [increased] I’ll send it,” Lyman said.

However, there is a risk of infection and colonization for healthy people who are not regularly exposed to the medical environment. C. auris Lyman said it remained “low.” But to keep the fungus under control, increased screening in health care settings and improved infection control are needed, she added.

Editors' Picks

Latest Articles

Newsletter

Potentially deadly ‘superbug’ fungus is spreading faster in the US

Drug shortages are rising and pose a national security risk, new report warns

How an exercise mindset can improve your health

You may also like

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Editors' Picks

Latest Articles