Candida auris is a fungal infection that has emerged around the world. Credit: GlobalNews
A dangerous fungal superbug, Candida auris (C. auris), is rapidly spreading in hospitals and nursing homes, raising serious public health concerns. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified it as an urgent antimicrobial resistance threat due to its drug resistance and high fatality rate.
What Makes C. Auris So Dangerous?
C. auris is a yeast species that typically colonizes the skin without causing harm. However, if it enters the bloodstream or mucous membranes, it can cause life-threatening infections.
Microbiologist Jason Tetro warns that the mortality rate for infected patients can reach 50 to 60%, especially among those with weakened immune systems. Even after treatment, patients may carry the fungus for years, unknowingly spreading it.
Difficult to Kill and Spreads Easily
One of the biggest challenges is that C. auris can survive on surfaces like bedrails, doorknobs, and medical equipment for weeks. Unlike other fungi, common hospital disinfectants do not always kill it.
Tetro explains that only strong disinfectants like hydrogen peroxide or bleach can effectively eliminate the fungus. Without proper cleaning, it can spread rapidly in healthcare settings, infecting vulnerable patients.
A Growing Global Threat
First identified in Japan in 2009, C. auris has since spread worldwide, causing severe outbreaks in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
In January, Public Health Ontario officially declared it a "disease of public health significance," requiring strict monitoring and control measures.
The Situation in Canada and the U.S.
As of March 26, 2025, Canada has reported 65 cases of C. auris, with most occurring in Ontario and western Canada. The majority of cases have emerged since 2019, showing a concerning upward trend.
The U.S. has seen a much faster spread. In 2016, there were only 51 cases, but by 2023, that number had skyrocketed to 4,515 new cases. A recent study in Florida found that C. auris infections increased rapidly between 2019 and 2023.
Is There a Cure?
C. auris is resistant to multiple antifungal drugs, making it difficult to treat. However, Tetro reassures that it is not yet resistant to all treatments, meaning some specialized antifungal drugs still work.
Unfortunately, standard antifungal medications available over the counter or by prescription are ineffective. This makes early detection and infection control critical in preventing further outbreaks.
What’s Next?
Many infected individuals show no symptoms, making screening and surveillance essential. For those who do experience symptoms, infections may present as fevers, chills, urinary tract infections, or bloodstream infections.
Despite its serious threat, experts believe Candida auris can be managed with the right strategies.
"We’re learning how to treat it properly," Tetro said. "When a pathogen outsmarts our medical procedures, we must develop better ones. And we’re getting there."
