Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant microorganism that was first identified in 2009 in Asia. It has quickly become a cause of severe infections around the world according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The agency listed C. auris as a concerning drug-resistant fungus because it is:
- Often multidrug-resistant, with some strains resistant to all three available classes of antifungals
- Can cause outbreaks in healthcare facilities
- Some common healthcare disinfectants are less effective at eliminating it
- Can be carried on patients' skin without causing infection, allowing spread to others
While the risk of C. auris infection in otherwise healthy people is low, in some hospitalized patients with a weakened immune system it can cause wound infections, ear infections and bloodstream infections which can spread throughout the body. These invasive infections can be serious and fatal. It has also been isolated from respiratory and urine specimens, but it is unclear if it causes infections in the lung or bladder according to the CDC.
“C. auris, along with C. diff, MRSA and a number of other drug-resistant microorganisms can be spread in healthcare settings through contact with contaminated environmental surfaces or equipment, or from person to person,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “With regards to C. auris, CDC warns that patients and residents in healthcare facilities often remain colonized with C. auris for many months, perhaps indefinitely, even after acute infection has been treated and resolves. These are reasons why extended stays in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities, can increase one's risk of getting a healthcare-associated infection.”
To help prevent the spread of superbugs, the scientists at EMSL Analytical provide advanced laboratory testing services to support infection control efforts, confirm disinfection procedures and to help track down the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred. Their laboratories in the United States and Canada offer environmental testing services for C. auris and a wide range of other bacteria, fungi and viruses. Environmental testing for these microbial pathogens can be essential for protecting patients, staff and controlling medical costs.
EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about C. auris that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/JGpL7VmKezg
To learn more about environmental testing for C. auris or other microbial testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.
— WebWireID293314 —
