Deadly fungus outbreak: hospitals on high alert as cases surge globally

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : Candida auris (C. auris) is a drug-resistant fungus that was first identified in Japan in 2009. It has now spread to more than 60 countries. Nearly 7,000 cases have been reported in 27 US states. The CDC has declared it an 'Urgent Antimicrobial Threat,' meaning it is a danger that could be fatal if ignored. It is the first fungal pathogen to receive this designation.

C. auris can survive for long periods on human skin and hospital surfaces. ICU patients, those on ventilators, and those with weakened immune systems are among its most vulnerable. Many common antifungal medications are ineffective, making treatment difficult and allowing the infection to spread rapidly.

Scientists' warning and new hope

The Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation reports that a new generation of antifungal drugs, better diagnostic tests, and vaccine-based treatments are needed. Recent research also revealed that C. auris activates a specific gene to steal iron. Stopping this process could open new avenues for treatment. Experts say that this fungus can cause even more serious consequences in countries with weak health systems. Better monitoring, vigilance, and timely treatment are the most powerful weapons. Candida auris is not an imaginary threat, but a silent killer present in hospitals. Timely steps and research can control it, otherwise it can cause fatal infections and take the lives of patients.