Candida auris (C. auris) How does C. auris spread? C. auris may exist on our bodies without causing any problems. This is known as colonisation. C. auris can spread via contact with an infected person, contaminated environmental surfaces or shared equipment.
Source: CDC 2019 (Candida auris: A drug-resistant germ that spreads in healthcare facilities)
What is candida? Candida refers to a family of germs (yeasts) that is commonly found on our skin and inside certain parts of our body. What is candida auris (C. auris)? Candida auris is an uncommon subspecies of Candida which can: • Cause serious infections • Be difficult to treat as it is resistant to the medicines commonly used to treat such infections • Be difficult to identify • Spread in healthcare facilities
Some people are at increased risk of getting colonised/infected with C. auris. These risk factors include: • Poor immune system • Exposure to hospital and nursing homes • Long stay in hospital • Devices that are inserted into a patient’s body such as, ventilators (breathing machines), feeding tubes, urine tubes or intravenous tubes • Multiple or recent exposures to broad spectrum antibiotics • Diabetes mellitus • Recent surgery