Candida auris: Killer fungus warning as 'global threat' already detected in UK

A new warning has been issued over the spread of a killer fungus- with cases having already been detected in the UK.

Cases of Candidozyma auris, previously known as candida auris, is spreading in hospitals around the globe and has since caused further alarm after becoming increasingly resistant to medicines that combat it. Following its discovery, the fungus has been associated with deaths with a fatality rate estimated to be one in three.

The World Health Organisation listed C. auris as among the 19 lethal fungi and highlighted its "threat to global public health." A newly reported case found a 34-year-old man developed an infection about three months after he suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. It comes after the NHS warns mouth symptom could be life-shortening disease.

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Medical staff at Saqr Hospital in Ras Al-Khaimah said the man was admitted to intensive care with bleeding from his mouth. He also suffered from several cuts and was found to have severe scalp laceration, MailOnlinereported.

The man ended up needing three weeks in intensive care and was found to have multiple brain bleeds. He underwent emergency surgery where part of his skull ended up being removed to relieve pressure.

Tests carried out following the surgery revealed he had a C. auris infection. The fungus was first identified in 2009 and it was discovered it could survive on hospital surfaces and the skin for lengthy periods of time.

It is typically resistant to disinfectant and medication and has been found to spread to the blood, brain, spinal cords and bones. The fungus has become more resilient due to the overuse of antifungal agents,

Doctors writing in the Journal of Medical Case Reports said: "The excessive use of antifungal agents in agriculture and healthcare has contributed to the development of antifungal resistance in C. auris. To our knowledge, this is the first case report documenting successful management of a C. auris external ventricular shunt infection without the use of intrathecal antifungal administration."

People who suffer from existing preconditions are particularly considered to be at risk with the fungus being fatal in between an estimated 30 per cent and 60 per cent of patients, reports the Express.

Cases of C. auris have been identified in more than 40 counties across six continents. A UKHSA report, the infection has been "rapidly emerging" across England and has drawn significant concern.

The UKHSA report said: "C. auris represents a growing global health concern, particularly in healthcare settings where it can spread rapidly and resist treatment and some disinfectants. While not yet widespread in England, it is important that we remain aware that C. auris may spread in hospital environments.

"Through effective infection prevention and control measures, rigorous hygiene practices, ongoing monitoring and continued research, its spread can be minimised. C. auris primarily spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces or medical equipment, or via direct contact with individuals who are colonised.

"People can carry the fungus on their skin without developing an infection (called colonisation). However, someone who has C. auris on their skin may become infected if it enters their body, for example through a wound, or if they have had an invasive medical device inserted, for example a catheter or drip."