What is Candida Auris? Warning issued for deadly fungal infection spreading rapidly across US

As per the CDC data, the fungal infection has already caused 7,000 deaths in the US

PUBLISHED MAR 21, 2023

WASHINGTON, DC: A "concerned" US medical panel has issued a warning about the threats of a rapidly spreading deadly infection which is considered to have killed about 60 percent of the people infected. This news comes just a week after the first season of the highly popular 'fungal zombie' series hit 'The Last of Us' on HBO wrapped up.

The American College of Physicians (ACAP) said it is "particularly concerning" to see widespread antibiotic-resistant cases of Candida auris, also known as C auris. In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) already described the fungus as an "urgent threat."

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How does it spread?

On coming into direct contact with a contaminated object, a person immediately gets infected. It transmits from one individual to another individual by direct contact between them. The spread can be prevented by strict handwashing, especially in hospital and other medical environments. In between 2020 and 2021, new research from the CDC has disclosed numbers have tripled across the country, with antibiotic resistant strains also becoming more common.

Illustration of the fungus Candida auris. Individual cells of the fungus are shown as purple ellipsoids. Candid auris can infect humans causing candidiasis. It is often acquired in hospital by patients with weakened immune systems. The infection can affect many organs and can be fatal, particularly because the fungus is resistant to many drugs. (Getty Images)

Where do transmissions occur most frequently?

Most transmission occurs in healthcare facilities and it can be predominantly seen among residents of long-term care facilities or among persons possessing devices or mechanical ventilators. The report was published in the Journal Annals of Internal Medicine on Monday, March 20.

Computer illustration of Candida fungi (yeast). The most common representatives of Candida fungi are C. albicans and C. auris with similar morphology. C. albicans is found on the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, genitals, respiratory and digestive tracts. The most common disease caused by C. albicans is vaginal candidiasis (thrush). C. auris was first identified in 2009. It causes serious multidrug-resistant infections in hospitalized patients and has high mortality rates. It causes bloodstream, wound and ear infections and has also been isolated from respiratory and urine specimens. Most C. auris infections are treatable with antifungals from the echinocandin group of drugs. (Getty Images)

Indirect impact of 'The Last of Us'

Due to the popularity of the show "The Last of Us", there has been an increased amount of attention on fungal infections. The show revolves around a strain of the cordyceps fungus that had evolved to infect people. It controls their minds and turns them into bloodthirsty zombies that see vines explode out of their bodies. The zombies are seen infecting humans by biting them or infecting them with their blood.

Bella Ramsey attends the Los Angeles Premiere of HBO's "The Last Of Us" at Regency Village Theatre on January 09, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

World Health Organization issues warning

The World Health Organization warns that fungal infections are becoming a "major threat" to public health. Some experts have claimed that the changing climate has made it suitable for fungi to spread even more and become common worldwide. Researchers saw infections rise from 1,310 in 2020 to 4,041 in 2021.

As per the CDC data, fungal infections have already caused 7,000 deaths in the US and 1.5 million worldwide, in 2021. The study also found that cases of the fungus resistant to the antibiotic echinocandin, which is the first line of therapy given to treat C auris, had also risen. The fungus was first reported in the US in 2016.

What are the most common symptoms?

If conditions do not improve, the main symptoms include fever and chills. The fungus can cause many different kinds of infections, such as in the bloodstream, in open wounds and even the ears. Although the mortality depends on the state, but it ranges from 30 to 60 percent. New York City and Chicago were worst affected, but cases of the fungus have now occurred in over half of American states.

The most vulnerable people are those who are already sick and have multiple conditions, or are on ventilators. A total of 3,270 clinical cases and 7,413 screening cases were recorded between 2019 and 2021. Cases rose from 53 in 2016 to 330 in 2018 and then increased 44 percent to 475 in 2019 before that. Three states, Oregon, Minnesota and Michiga, all reported their first case of the fungus in 2021.