Candida auris
Candida auris is a type of fungus that can cause infections. It can be hard to treat because medications (known as antifungals) used to treat infections may not work. Candida auris is dangerous for young babies, patients in intensive care and cancer care units or when people are sick with poor immune function.
Infections with Candida auris are rare in Australia. Most cases of this germ found in Australia have been in people who have been in an overseas hospital in the last 12 months. People with Candida auris are usually colonised (which means the germ lives on their body without making them sick). Other people may develop a Candida auris infection which may make the person sick. People with this germ can spread Candida auris from their body to others. It is important to stop this germ spreading in hospitals, nursing homes and residential care facilities.
When a patient tests positive for Candida auris, testing of other patients that have been in the same room with this person may be needed to see if they also test positive to Candida auris.
Treatment
Most people with Candia auris do not require treatment if they do not have an infection. If a person has an infection, a specialist doctor will give antifungal medications called echinocandins. Some Candida auris infections cannot be treated with these medications as they will not work. Your doctor will talk to you about your medications.
Testing:
Candida auris can be found on the skin, so the best way to test for this germ is to collect swabs from the armpit and groin. You may need to collect the swab for yourself or a child. If asked to do so, you will be provided with instructions on how to do this by your doctor or pathology collection centre. The procedure is not painful and there are no side effects. A positive result says that the person has Candida auris.
When a doctor suspects Candida auris infection the doctor may order some further testing.
Transmission
Candida auris can spread by hands when you touch a person or an environment where the germ lives if you do not clean your hands in between. Candida auris can live on surfaces for a long time. If a person goes to hospital and a doctor or nurse thinks you may have Candida auris, or you have tested positive in the past, they will take extra steps to reduce the risk to others. This means the patient will go into a single room. All staff will wear a gown and gloves, and everyone will be asked to clean their hands.
The risk of giving Candida auris to family and friends is low when you clean your hands. Any person who has Candida auris should clean their hands often with either soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
Tell your doctor or nurse!
Please tell your doctor or nurse when attending for medical care if you have Candida auris or have stayed in a healthcare facility overseas. This helps doctors and nurses decide if a person needs testing. It also ensures that people who have tested positive have the best treatment plan and steps are in place to prevent spread of this germ to others.
Other resources
Help and assistance
Contact your healthcare provider for more information.