Health bosses monitoring for new bugs hitting the UK have identified a new fungal-based infection which is particularly dangerous for patients in hospital. Candidozyma auris (C. auris) is a species of yeast which was designated as a critical priority fungal pathogen by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In Britain, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is working with NHS England and other partners to respond to increasing detections of C. auris in hospitals, the infection was previously rarely detected in England. Worryingly, outside of the UK infections of C. auris have resulted in a high mortality rate, and in Britain it has sparked concern for hospitals where there are patients with weakened immune systems.
According to a UKHSA statement C. auris is a type of fungus “was first identified in 2009 in the ear of a Japanese patient and has since been found in more than 40 countries across 6 continents”.
The statement adds: “What makes C. auris particularly concerning is its remarkable resilience – it can survive on surfaces for long periods of time, including in the hospital environment, and is often resistant to first-line medical treatments and disinfectants.
“If someone who is carrying C. auris is admitted to hospital, or it spreads to someone else in hospital, there is a risk it may enter their body or bloodstream, for example during an operation or if they have a catheter or drip inserted. This could then cause a C. auris infection. C. auris infections vary in how serious they are.”
“Infections range in severity. Some people may carry the fungus without symptoms, while others develop serious infections such as infections in the blood, brain and spinal cord, bones, abdomen, wounds, ears, respiratory tract, and urinary system.
“People who are carrying the fungus are still at risk of developing an infection or passing it on to others.”
UKHSA said several prolonged C. auris outbreaks have occurred in UK hospitals since 2015, requiring interventions to control them and prevent further spread. Peaks in detections over time have been largely attributed to these.
It added: “There have been significant healthcare associated outbreaks affecting NHS trusts in London and the South-East of England.
“Hospital outbreaks can be disruptive and costly due to the substantial service disruption resulting from measures put in place to reduce risk to patients and to control transmission.”
For more information visit the Gov.uk website.