The CDC has set C. auris infections at an “urgent” threat level. Surfacide’s Helios® UV-C Disinfection System has been proven as an effective and reliable strategy to address C. auris in the patient-care environment.
Candida auris. Up until recently, few have heard of this microbial agent, and even fewer healthcare facilities have experienced it. However, with cases emerging across the country, it’s time to understand why this antibiotic-resistant microorganism is making headlines, and how you can protect your facility, your staff, and yourself against it.
What is Candida auris?
Candida is a type of fungus. Existing as a yeast, Candida normally lives on the skin and inside of the body without causing any problems. However, if somebody is immunocompromised, the fungi that is normally harmless can become opportunistic and cause disease. Most of the infections worldwide are caused by Candida auris (C. auris) or C. albicans. C. auris, the more severe strain, was first identified in 2009. Since then, cases have been reported globally, with a noticeable recent spike in the United States.
Transmission
C. auris can be difficult to identify and is known for its ability to easily colonize the environment it’s in, making transmission high. Scientists have found that C. auris can be transmitted from person-to-person, as well as from contaminated environments, including surfaces and medical devices.
Threat Level
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the mortality rate in the U.S. has been reported to be between 30% to 60% in many patients who had other serious illnesses. The CDC has set C. auris infections at an “urgent” threat level because 90% are resistant to at least one antifungal, 30% to two antifungals, and some are resistant to all three available classes of antifungals.
Given its resistance to antibiotics, it is important to understand how you can protect your facility from C. auris. One of the most important safety measures you can take is implementing a strong disinfection cleaning protocol, including the utilization of the Surfacide Helios® System.
