Candida auris is a type of yeast that can cause bloodstream infections, wound infections, and other serious illnesses, particularly in individuals who are already medically fragile. Patients at higher risk may include those who have prolonged hospital stays, live in skilled nursing facilities or long-term care settings, require ventilators or medical devices, have weakened immune systems, or have frequent exposure to antibiotics or healthcare environments.

Unlike more common fungal infections, Candida auris can survive on surfaces for extended periods and may spread within healthcare settings if infection prevention measures are not carefully followed.

One of the major concerns surrounding Candida auris is that some strains are resistant to multiple antifungal medications, making treatment more challenging. In addition, laboratory identification may sometimes be difficult without specialized testing.

Because of these factors, early recognition and strong infection prevention practices are especially important. Healthcare systems across California have increased surveillance, screening, and infection control efforts in response to the organism’s spread.

Preventing the spread of multidrug resistant organisms requires a coordinated effort among healthcare providers, facilities, caregivers, and patients. Important prevention strategies may include:

• Careful hand hygiene

• Appropriate environmental cleaning

• Use of protective equipment in healthcare settings

• Early identification of high risk patients

• Communication between healthcare facilities during transfers

For patients and families, awareness is helpful, but panic is not necessary. Most healthy individuals are not at significant risk.

Another important aspect of Candida auris is colonization. Some individuals may carry the organism on their skin or body without showing symptoms of active infection. Even without signs of illness, colonized individuals may still spread the organism within healthcare environments.

Because of this, healthcare facilities may perform colonization screening for patients who have been exposed to Candida auris or who are considered higher risk. Screening is typically performed using noninvasive skin swabs, commonly from areas such as the axilla and groin, where colonization is more likely to be detected.

These efforts help healthcare teams identify colonized patients early, implement appropriate precautions, and reduce the risk of transmission to vulnerable individuals in hospitals and long term care settings.

The emergence of Candida auris reflects a broader challenge facing healthcare systems worldwide: the rise of multidrug resistant organisms. These infections highlight the importance of infection prevention, responsible antimicrobial use, early detection, and coordinated care across healthcare settings.

As infectious disease specialists continue to study and monitor these organisms, education and awareness remain important tools in protecting vulnerable populations.

If you or a loved one has concerns about recurrent infections, multidrug resistant organisms, or infection prevention after hospitalization or skilled nursing care, our team is available to help provide guidance and evaluation when appropriate.