The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus that is spreading rapidly in health care facilities. Cases of C. auris have been increasing each year since its first report in 2016, with a significant rise in 2020 to 2021. The number of cases detected through screening tripled during this period, and cases causing infection also rose significantly. The CDC emphasizes the need for surveillance, expanded lab capacity, faster diagnostic tests, and adherence to infection prevention and control measures. C. auris is a dangerous pathogen that can cause life-threatening infections and is often resistant to common antifungal medicines. Identifying and treating C. auris can be challenging, and prevention efforts are crucial in combating this drug-resistant fungus.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDC warns against drug-resistant fungus | Increase in cases of drug-resistant fungus | Improved surveillance and prevention measures | Spread of drug-resistant strains and weakened healthcare system |
| Cases of Candida auris have increased each year | Increase in cases of Candida auris | More advanced diagnostic tests and treatments | Lack of effective antifungal medications |
| Cases detected through screening tripled | Increase in early detection of Candida auris | Increased screening efforts and improved lab capacity | Increased awareness and surveillance |
| Cases causing infection rose | Increase in symptomatic cases of Candida auris | Improved identification and management of infections | Weakened immune systems and lack of effective treatments |
| First cases identified in multiple states | Spread of Candida auris to new geographic areas | Wider geographic distribution of the fungus | Global travel and movement of infected individuals |
| Infections resistant to antifungal medication tripled | Increase in drug-resistant Candida auris infections | Development of new antifungal medications | Overuse and misuse of antifungal agents |
| Candida auris can cause outbreaks in healthcare | Infection outbreaks in healthcare facilities | Improved infection prevention and control measures | Poor infection control practices and inadequate resources |
| Difficult to identify without specialized technology | Challenges in identifying Candida auris infections | Advanced laboratory technology for identification | Lack of awareness and diagnostic capabilities |
| Fever and chills are common symptoms of Candida auris | Symptoms of Candida auris infection | Early recognition and treatment of infections | Misdiagnosis and delayed treatment |
| Fungal infections are difficult to treat | Challenges in treating fungal infections | Development of safer and more effective antifungals | Overuse of antifungal agents and drug resistance |
| Rise in cases may be due to surveillance efforts | Factors contributing to the increase in Candida auris | Improved surveillance and prevention efforts | Increased focus on monitoring and containment |
| Antifungals are overused in agricultural setting | Overuse of antifungals contributing to drug resistance | Regulation of antifungal use in agriculture | Agricultural practices and misuse of antimicrobials |
| Prevention efforts are burdened during pandemic | Decreased prevention measures during COVID-19 pandemic | Restoration of healthcare system capacity | Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare systems |