Seattle's Battle With Candida Auris: A Public Health Perspective On The Fungal Outbreak

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Seattle's Battle with Candida Auris: A Public Health Perspective on the Fungal Outbreak

3rd Feb 2024 by Admin 154

Explore the recent outbreak of the Candida auris fungus in Seattle. Understand the public health implications and the measures taken to control the spread.

In the heart of Seattle, a silent battle is being waged against a formidable enemy, the Candida auris (C. auris) fungus. This potentially lethal fungus has emerged as a significant public health threat, with the first known outbreak confirmed in Washington state.

C. auris first emerged in the state in July, when a Pierce County resident tested positive for the fungus at Kindred Hospital, a long-term acute care hospital in Seattle. Despite no further cases being found at the time, this month another C. auris infection was confirmed in a patient recently admitted to Kindred. This marked the beginning of the state's first known C. auris outbreak.

The fungus, known for its resistance to common antifungal medications, can spread in the body without the patient having any symptoms, a process called "colonization". Between 5% and 10% of patients "colonized" with C. auris will eventually develop "invasive" infections that can be serious. More than 45% of people with invasive infections die within the first 30 days.

Public health officials are working tirelessly to limit the spread of the fungus. Measures include keeping patients who test positive for C. auris away from other patients to reduce the risk of spread and using specific disinfecting cleaning products effective for C. auris. Kindred is also notifying other facilities that received patients who were previously at Kindred.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has labeled C. auris infections as an urgent public health threat. The fungus was first reported in the United States in 2016, and was responsible for a 200% jump in infections between 2019 and 2021.

The current outbreak in Seattle underscores the need for early detection of multidrug-resistant organisms like C. auris. The state Department of Health screening program encourages such early detection. However, the initial source of the infection may never be identified.

What are the symptoms of C. auris?

Candida auris (C. auris) is a fungus that can cause serious illness, especially in people with weakened immune systems or other medical conditions. The symptoms of a C. auris infection can vary widely depending on the part of the body affected. Here are some common symptoms associated with C. auris:

Fever

Chills

Lethargy(extreme tiredness)

Low blood pressure

High heart rate (tachycardia)

Low body temperature (hypothermia)

Pain, pressure or feeling of fullness in your ear (in case of C. auris ear infection)

It's important to note that many people who get C. auris infections are already seriously ill, so symptoms of C. auris may not be noticeable. Also, many people carrying C. auris don't have symptoms but can still pass it to someone else. If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately.

How is C. auris treated?

Candida auris (C. auris) is a challenging fungus to treat due to its resistance to many common antifungal medications. Here's a general overview of how it's typically managed:

1.Initial Treatment: The first line of defense against C. auris is usually a class of antifungal drugs known as echinocandins. These drugs are designed to inhibit the growth of the fungus, helping to control the infection.

2.Monitoring and Follow-up: Patients receiving treatment for C. auris are closely monitored for signs of improvement. If the infection persists or worsens, doctors may conduct follow-up cultures and repeat susceptibility testing.

3.Treatment Adjustment: In cases where the patient does not respond to echinocandin treatment or if the infection persists for more than five days, doctors may consider switching to a liposomal form of a drug called amphotericin B.

4.Treatment of Resistant Strains: Some strains of C. auris are resistant to all three main classes of antifungal medications, making them particularly difficult to treat. In such cases, high doses of multiple antifungal medications may be required. There's ongoing research into more effective treatments for these resistant strains.

5.Prevention and Control Measures: Alongside treatment, measures are taken to prevent the spread of the fungus, especially in healthcare settings. This includes isolating infected patients and thoroughly disinfecting surfaces.

Remember, this is a general overview and actual treatment plans can vary based on individual patient needs and the specific strain of C. auris involved. Always consult with a healthcare professional for medical advice.

Where else has C. auris been found?

Candida auris (C. auris) is a global concern and has been reported in numerous countries across the world¹²⁴. Here's a brief overview:

1.South Asia: This region, particularly India, has reported a significant number of C. auris cases.
2.East Asia: East Asian countries, including South Korea, have also detected C. auris.
3.Africa: South Africa is among the African countries where C. auris has been identified.
4.South America: Countries in South America, including Colombia, have reported C. auris cases.
5.North America: The United States has seen a substantial increase in C. auris cases, from 329 in 2018 to 1,012 in 2021.
6.Europe: European countries, including the United Kingdom and Spain, have also reported C. auris cases.

Most recently, a potential new clade of C. auris was identified in Iran. This highlights the ongoing global spread of this fungus. It's important to note that the actual number of C. auris cases may be higher, as not all cases are reported or detected.

As we continue to grapple with this outbreak, it's clear that our fight against C. auris is far from over. It's a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges we face in the realm of public health, and the importance of vigilance in the face of emerging threats.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.