Why is Candidozyma auris so dangerous?

Candida auris is dangerous because it is difficult to treat, difficult to recognize, easily spreads, and can be life-threatening.

Many strains are resistant to multiple classes of antifungal agents (azoles, echinocandins, polyenes). This makes treatment difficult: sometimes only one agent is effective, and in rare cases, no effective agent remains.

Candidozyma auris is difficult to identify. In standard laboratories, Candidozyma auris is often misidentified as another Candida species. This can lead to incorrect treatment or delayed measures to stop the spread.

Candidozyma auris is highly contagious in healthcare settings. Unlike most other Candida species, Candidozyma auris can easily spread from patient to patient, often via the hands of healthcare workers or contaminated surfaces/equipment. It can survive on surfaces for weeks to months and is difficult to eradicate with standard cleaning agents.

It often causes serious infections such as bloodstream infections (candidemia), which can be fatal in vulnerable patients. Mortality rates in studies range from 30–60%.

Since its first identification in 2009, Candidozyma auris has become an emerging global problem and has been found in more than 40 countries. Several genetic clades have emerged almost simultaneously on different continents, suggesting a global rise.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563297/

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2025-09-18 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2026