Candida Auris and Risk of Bloodstream Infections

Candida auris infection is still rare in the United States but several states have reported continuing outbreaks of this emerging multidrug-resistant fungus, including New York State. During ID Week 2018, NY researchers shared their 2-year experience with this fungal infection, which can progress to bloodstream infections (BSI).

Between September 2016 and March 2018, 187 cases of C auris were identified across New York State. Assessment of data for these patients revealed the following:

• Seven patients (4%) progressed to BSI during at least 24,781 days of follow-up (median, 98 patient days; range, 0-548 days), indicating a BSI rate of 0.3 per 1000 patient days.
• Median time from date of first colonization to date of BSI was 86 days (range, 3-310 days).
• All patients developing BSI had portals of entry, such as indwelling catheters or chronic wounds.
• Neurologic diseases and diabetes were associated with an increased risk of BSI.

Reference

Southwick K, Adams EH, Greenko J, et al. New York State 2016-2018: progression from Candida auris colonization to bloodstream infection. Presented at: 2018 ID Week; October 3-7, 2018; San Francisco, California. Abstract 2039.