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Candida Auris

Health Alerts

Topic Priority Date of Alert
Update: Outbreak and Containment of Candida auris in PA Healthcare Facilities Advisory Mar 31, 2023
Update: Outbreak and Containment of Candida auris in PA Healthcare Facilities Update Aug 8, 2022
Update: Outbreak and Containment of Candida auris in PA Healthcare Facilities Advisory Aug 3, 2021
New Outbreak and Containment of Candida Auris in PA Healthcare Facilities Alert May 28, 2021

Surveillance

Vaccine Information

  • There is currently no vaccine to prevent Candida auris.

Diagnosis & Management

  • Candida auris infection is diagnosed through a culture of the affected body site. Candida auris can be frequently misidentified when using traditional phenotypic methods for yeast identification such as VITEK 2 YST, API 20C, BD Phoenix yeast identification system, and MicroScan. Common misidentifications are listed here. If any of these species are identified, or if species identity cannot be determined, further characterization using appropriate methodology should be sought. Please email the HAI/AR team at HAI.PDPH@Phila.gov or call at (215) 685-4501 for assistance with this.
  • Candida auris is often resistant to many antifungal drugs, although some infections can be treated with antifungal medicines. Providers should order antifungal susceptibility testing to determine the appropriate drug for treatment.
  • Candida auris colonization is primarily identified through a culture or a PCR based test from a swab collected from the axilla and/or groin. CDC does not recommend treatment of Candida auris identified from noninvasive body sites (such as respiratory tract, urine, and skin colonization) when there is no evidence of infection.
  • Report all cases (colonization or infection) to PDPH immediately and retain Candida auris isolates for one month following identification. PDPH will follow up to coordinate further testing.
  • CDC Laboratory Protocol for Detecting Candida auris
  • CDC Antifungal Susceptibility Testing & Interpretation
  • CDC Screening for Candida auris Colonization
  • CDC Treatment and Management of Infections and Colonization with Candida auris
  • CDC Lab Safety Considerations When Working with Candida auris
  • CDC Testing Algorithm

Reporting to PDPH

  • Report all C.auris cases (colonization or infection) to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health by calling 215-685-6748 within 24 hours. Complete the Candida auris Report Form and fax to 215-238-6947 after reporting the case by phone.

Guidelines for Management and Control:

Hospitalized Patients:

  • Candida auris patients shall be placed on contact precautions and in a private room for the duration of all current and future healthcare stays.
  • Because patients may remain colonized for more than one year, do not discontinue precautions when the infection clears. There is not enough evidence to make a firm recommendation about when to discontinue use of Contact Precautions for infected or colonized patients.

Long-Term Care Facility Residents:

Disinfection Guidance:

  • Candida auris can persist on surfaces in healthcare environments. Meticulous cleaning and disinfection of both patient rooms and mobile equipment is necessary to reduce the risk of transmission.
  • Until further information is available for Candida auris, CDC recommends use of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered hospital-grade (LIST K) disinfectant effective against Clostridioides difficile spores. It is important to follow all manufacturers’ directions for use of the surface disinfectant, including applying the product for the correct contact time.
  • Solution with 10% bleach should be made fresh daily.
  • Reusable equipment should be dedicated to the colonized or infected patient whenever possible.
  • Shared reusable medical equipment should be disinfected immediately after use. 
  • Daily disinfection, with products appropriate for Candida auris, that includes areas in close proximity to the patient, high-touch surfaces in the room, as well as surfaces around sinks and toilets.
  • Immediate cleaning and disinfection of equipment or surfaces contaminated with blood, serum, urine, purulent discharges, feces, and other bodily fluids or infectious materials.
  • Terminal cleaning shall consist of thorough wet cleaning and disinfection. Specific products should be utilized based on the identified organism. 
  • Additional Resources: NY State Hospital Association Candida auris Cleaning Video and EPA Registered Disinfectant Products for Candida auris

Resources

For Healthcare Providers:

PA C. auris Symposium Presentations

For Patients and Community Members:

There are no patient or community resources for Candida Auris.

Posters:

There are no posters for Candida Auris.