LAB TEST
Candida auris infection
Candida auris ( C auris ) is a type of yeast (fungus). It can cause a severe infection in hospital or nursing home patients. These people are often already very sick. C auris infections often do not get better with the antifungal medicines that usually treat candida infections. When this occurs, the fungus is said to be resistant to antifungal medicines. This makes it very hard to treat the infection. C auris infection is rare in healthy people.
Causes
Some people carry C auris on their bodies without it making them sick. This is called "colonization." This means they can easily spread the germ without knowing it. However, people who are colonized with C auris are still at risk for getting an infection from the fungus. C auris can be spread from person-to-person or…
Symptoms
C auris infections can be hard to identity for the following reasons: Symptoms of a C auris infection are similar to those caused by other fungal infections. People who have a C auris infection are often already very sick. Symptoms of infection are hard to tell apart from other symptoms. C auris can be mistaken for…
Exams and Tests
A C auris infection can't be easily diagnosed using standard methods. If your provider thinks your illness is caused by C auris , they will need to use special lab tests. Blood tests include: CBC with differential Blood cultures Basic metabolic panel B-1,3 glucan test (testing for a specific sugar found on some fungi)…
Treatment
C auris infections are often treated with antifungal medicines called echinocandins. Other types of antifungal medicines also may be used. Some C auris infections do not respond to any of the main classes of antifungal medicines. In such cases, more than one antifungal medicine or higher doses of these medicines may…
Outlook (Prognosis)
Infections with C auris can be hard to treat because of its resistance to antifungal medicines. How well a person does will depend on: How severe the infection is Whether the infection has spread to the bloodstream and organs The person's overall health
Possible Complications
C auris infections that spread to the bloodstream and organs in very ill people can often lead to death.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if: You have fever and chills that don't improve, even after antibiotic treatment You have a fungal infection that doesn't improve, even after antifungal treatment You develop fever and chills soon after coming in contact with a person who has a C auris infection
Prevention
Follow these steps to prevent the spread of C auris : Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Or, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Do this before and after contact with people who have this infection and before and after touching any equipment in their room. Make sure providers wash their hands or use hand…
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. About C. auris . www.cdc.gov/candida-auris/about/index.html . Updated April 24, 2024. Accessed June 19, 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Clinical treatment of C auris infections.…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 19/05/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.