Infections with the Candida auris fungus, a super-drug-resistant and potentially deadly microorganism, grew dramatically in the United States between 2019 and 2021, according to a study published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Specifically, the researchers warn of the increase in cases that are resistant to echinocandins, the main drug used to treat infections with the Candida fungus.
These types of cases were three times more frequent in 2021 than in the previous two years, according to the study, which analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as those collected by the authorities. health at the local and state level.
The data shows an increase in the percentage growth of infections with Candida auris, which went from 44% in 2019 to 95% in 2021.
For the researchers, who work for the CDC, the increase may be related to the difficulties that the covid-19 pandemic has produced in the health system, such as a shortage of toilets or the use of more antimicrobial drugs.
The report emphasizes that Candida auris, which was first detected in the US in 2016, is listed as an "urgent threat" by the CDC due to its drug resistance and high mortality rate.
Most cases occur in health centers, especially among patients who have been hospitalized for a long time or who are connected to mechanical ventilators, the authors explain.
Only a laboratory test can diagnose this fungus. It can be spread from person to person or through contact with objects or equipment. Some people carry the fungus on their body without getting sick. This is called "colonization." This means they can spread the germs without knowing it. However, people who are colonized with Candida auris are still at risk of infection from the fungus.
Once the fungus enters the body, it can cause a serious infection in the bloodstream and organs. This is more likely to occur in people with a weakened immune system. People who have breathing or feeding tubes or IV catheters have the highest risk of infection. The most common symptoms are fever and chills that do not improve after antibiotic treatment after suspected bacterial infection.
