Exploring the world of knowledge and discoveries. - Fungus with harmful effects is being discovered increasingly often.
The yeast fungus Candida auris, discovered just a few years ago, has seen a significant rise in cases in Germany. In 2023, there were 77 reported instances nationwide - a six-fold increase compared to previous years, as analyzed by the National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections (NRZMyk) based in Jena. This fungus is capable of transferring between humans and is resistant to various medications.
Oliver Kurzai, from the Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology at the University of Würzburg and head of NRZMyk, stated on Thursday that it's likely there's a real increase in instances, not just better detection. There have been no reported deaths in Germany directly linked to Candida auris infections. However, the fungus is still dangerous, particularly for individuals who are already ill or have compromised immune systems.
Kurzai mentioned that bloodstream infections due to Candida auris and infections involving prostheses and other foreign materials in our bodies are especially risky and difficult to treat - like joint prostheses.
The research team led by Alexander M. Aldejohann from the University of Würzburg has shared this increase in cases in Germany in the Epidemiological Bulletin of the Robert Koch Institute. Some of these cases were documented due to the 2023 reporting requirement which only applies to certain infections. A higher number of cases in Germany is likely, and a general reporting responsibility for every laboratory detection could slow down the fungus' spread. The team also advises extensive testing for Candida auris.
Candida auris generally doesn't impact healthy individuals. It becomes problematic in hospitals and care facilities, specifically intensive care units. It's transmitted through touch. The pathogen doesn't spread through the air like COVID-19. If Candida auris enters your bloodstream, there's a risk of developing life-threatening septicemia.
Fifty-eight of the 77 cases in Germany last year were colonized by the fungus. A further 13 had infections. The status was unclear in six cases. Of these colonized patients or those with unclear infection status, five developed a more serious infection later on. Most common infections were tissue and wound infections, bloodstream and catheter-associated infections, and prosthesis infections.
The surge in Candida auris is mostly attributed to three outbreaks, explained Aldejohann. "The unexpected increase in 2023 caught us off guard. Hospital outbreaks are the primary cause of this. If these aren't detected early and properly handled, they're very challenging to manage later on."
Candida auris, found in 2009, has rapidly spread globally since its discovery. The pathogen has been resistant to some antifungal drugs and disinfectants from the initial stages.
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Source: www.stern.de
