CDC Issues Multi-drug Resistant Yeast Infection Warning to US Healthcare Facilities

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials have issued a warning in the United States about the spread of multi-drug resistant yeast called as Candida auris, which is causing deadly infections worldwide.

Candida auris can cause healthcare-associated invasive infections such as wound, bloodstream and ear infections. People with weakened immune system, diabetes and those who are taking powerful antibiotics and undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit and surgery are at increased risk of contracting this yeast infection.

‘Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues warning about Candida auris, an emerging multidrug-resistant (MDR) yeast, causing invasive healthcare-associated infections with high mortality worldwide.’

Since 2009, the pathogen has been found in nine countries on four continents, including one possible infection in the United States in 2013. This fungus is resistant to common antifungal medications, therefore treatment is limited.

Some of the precautionary measures issued by the CDC to all healthcare facilities to prevent c.auris transmission include informing local and state health authorities if they suspect a c.auris infection, isolating the infected patients and routine disinfection of the patient's room.

Source: Medindia