The Candida auris fungus has caused a lot of ink to flow across the Atlantic. It would be the source of more and more infections in US hospitals. But where does it come from? and is it likely to arrive in France? La Dépêche du Midi tries to see more clearly…
The Candida auris fungus is not some weird sci-fi creature. In the United States, this microscopic fungus is responsible for a growing number of hospital infections. The reports have been such that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued an alert on “the growing threat” it represents.
“People who are very ill, who wear invasive medical devices, or who stay frequently or for a long time in health care facilities, are at increased risk of contracting it,” warns the CDC in an article. In the line of sight, the most vulnerable people. Candida causes infections that can lead to death in some patients with fragile immune systems. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated its mortality rate between 29% to 53% for cases of invasive infectionsraising the fungus to the top spot of the 19 priority fungal pathogens.
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327 cases in Europe between 2019 and 2021
This fungus has already been detected in Europe and France in recent years. But should we be worried about it? According to the newspaper Eurosurveillance, there were only six cases recorded between 2019 and 2021 in France compared to 327 in Europe. To guard against this, the CDC is formal: you have to get tested. “The rapid increase and geographic spread of cases is concerning and underscores the need for continued surveillance, expanded laboratory capacity, faster diagnostic testing and adherence to infection prevention and control. proven,” says Dr. Meghan Lyman. The epidemiologist continues by declaring that its transmission passed through direct contact with “contaminated hands”. Hand and surface hygiene are therefore essential measures to be observed.
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