The healthcare realm continues to be confronted by the increasing and daunting prevalence of fungal pathogens, posing significant risks to public health. The expansion of these pathogens, particularly those resistant to treatment, underlines a lack of adequate diagnostics which are rapid, sensitive and broadly accessible. For the infection prevention front line, this poses a serious…
A fatal and rapidly spreading fungal infection, Candida auris, is posing a significant threat to hospitalized patients in the U.S. Despite being termed as an 'urgent' risk by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the agency seems to be deficient in launching an effective response. The CDC has reported a staggering rise in…
A drug-resistant fungal infection assessed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an 'urgent antimicrobial resistance threat' is experiencing a rapid upsurge in the United States. A recent hospital-based research points towards a marked escalation, particularly in areas like Florida and Georgia. Known as Candida auris (C. auris), this pathogen presents a…
In an endeavor to enhance its infection control protocols, a hospital in New York has broadened the scope of its screening mechanism for the Candida auris fungal pathogen. This proactive move came about after a patient, initially classified as low-risk and admitted from a skilled nursing facility (SNF), tested positive for C. auris, two months…
On January 10, 2024, Public Health – Seattle & King County was notified about a patient who had be tested positive for Candida auris (C. auris), a form of fungus identified at Kindred Hospital Seattle. C. auris can cause severe infections and is often resistant to antifungal treatment. Through the proactive Partners for Patient Safety…