Scientists in Singapore have discovered a new member of the fungal family. In a study published this week, they detail a genetically distinct type of Candida auris found in several of their patients—the sixth such type discovered to date. The findings are published in The Lancet Microbe.
This fungus is one of the most dangerous pathogens in the world, as it can resist multiple antifungal drugs and spread rapidly in hospitals and other high-risk environments.
Candida auris was first discovered in 2009. While it typically colonizes healthy individuals without causing illness, it can lead to severe infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. These infections are often challenging to treat because the fungus can resist multiple, or even all, classes of antifungal drugs. Additionally, once established in the environment, it is difficult to completely eradicate.
Overall, cases of C. auris infection are still rare, but their number has increased significantly in the U.S. and elsewhere in recent years, with the fungus steadily expanding its reach globally.
