A Deadly, Drug-Resistant Fungus Is Spreading – And The CDC Is Worried – get details here

Posted: March 28, 2025 by Alvin Palmejar

A dangerous fungal superbug called Candida auris (C. auris) is rapidly spreading through hospitals and nursing homes, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue an urgent warning. The CDC has classified C. auris as an “urgent antimicrobial resistance threat” due to its high resistance to multiple antifungal drugs and its ability to withstand common disinfectants.

Why Is Candida auris So Dangerous?

First identified in Japan in 2009, C. auris has since spread globally, causing severe outbreaks in healthcare settings. The fungus is particularly dangerous because it can colonize the skin without causing immediate symptoms, making it difficult to detect and control. However, once it enters the bloodstream or mucous membranes, it can lead to life-threatening infections.

According to microbiologist Jason Tetro, C. auris has an alarmingly high mortality rate of 50 to 60 percent, especially among individuals with weakened immune systems. Those who survive an infection may remain colonized for years, potentially spreading the fungus to others without realizing it.

The Growing Threat in North America

The U.S. has seen a significant surge in C. auris cases since it was first detected in the country in 2016. The CDC reported that while there were only 51 cases in 2016, that number skyrocketed to 4,515 new cases by 2023.

Meanwhile, Canada has also begun to take C. auris more seriously. In January 2025, Public Health Ontario officially designated it as a “disease of public health significance,” meaning it must be closely monitored, and measures should be implemented to prevent its spread. The Public Health Agency of Canada has recorded 65 cases since 2012, with a majority occurring in recent years.

How C. auris Spreads and Survives

Unlike other fungal infections, C. auris spreads easily from person to person and can persist on surfaces like bedrails, doorknobs, and medical equipment for weeks. Standard hospital cleaners are often ineffective against it—only strong disinfectants like hydrogen peroxide or bleach have been shown to kill the fungus.

A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that C. auris infections in Florida hospitals increased from just five cases in 2019 to 115 cases in 2023. Additionally, all sampled cultures were resistant to fluconazole, one of the most common antifungal treatments.

Challenges in Treatment

One of the biggest concerns surrounding C. auris is its drug resistance. Many standard antifungal medications, including those available over the counter, do not work against the fungus. While some more advanced antifungal drugs remain effective, they are not widely accessible and are typically reserved for severe infections.

Despite its resistance, C. auris has not yet become “pan-drug-resistant,” meaning some treatment options still exist. However, experts warn that if the fungus continues to evolve, it could eventually become untreatable.

Recognizing and Preventing C. auris Infections

Because many C. auris carriers do not exhibit symptoms, early detection is challenging. In cases where symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Urinary tract infections
• Fever and chills that do not respond to antibiotics
• Bloodstream infections

Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of strict infection control measures, including rigorous hand hygiene, proper disinfectant use, and isolation protocols in hospitals and nursing homes.

Can C. auris Be Stopped?

Although C. auris is a serious global health threat, experts believe it can be managed through proper surveillance, early detection, and strict infection control.

“We really didn’t know how to deal with Candida auris in the past. We’re starting to figure it out,” said Tetro. “When you have a pathogen that has outwitted our normal medical procedures, you have to come up with a better medical procedure. That’s the only way you’re going to be able to beat this. And we’re getting there.”

For now, public health agencies continue to closely monitor C. auris, urging hospitals, nursing homes, and individuals to stay vigilant against this deadly fungal threat.