Multidrug-resistant Candida auris: not the usual commensal

Zainal, Mukarramah and Wan Ahmad Kamil, Wan NurHazirah and Arzmi, Mohd Hafiz and Mohd Sarmin, Nurul 'Izzah (2023) Multidrug-resistant Candida auris: not the usual commensal. STEMS, 1. pp. 4-16. ISSN 3033-4330

PDF - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (348kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Candidemia remains a public health concern worldwide. In the last 10 years, Candida auris (C. auris) has emerged as a problematic pathogen in the healthcare setting. The pathogen is difficult to identify, multiple-drug-resistant and highly transmissible, and has attracted considerable attention due to its rapid and widespread transmission. The reasons behind the emergence of this fungus remain unclear to date. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and pathophysiology of C. auris infection and highlight key factors that enable the fungus to cause outbreaks, including the difficulties in identification and the ability to colonize medical equipment surfaces, form biofilms, and spread via direct contact, and its resistance to anti-fungal agents. As Candida sp. is the fungus most frequently isolated in the mouth, we also assessed whether the oral cavity could be a missing link in the emergence of C. auris outbreaks, and concluded that there is currently scarce evidence supporting the role of oral infections in the spread of this pathogen. Possible explanations include the inability of C. auris to colonise the oral cavity and the significant sensitivity to histatin 5 in human saliva. An understanding of the virulence factors as well as of the mechanisms that confer protection against C. auris infection, exemplified by the oral ecosystem, may be useful in developing effective anti-fungal strategies for this pathogen.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Candida auris; virulence factors; candidiasis; public health
Subjects:	Q Science > QR Microbiology
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Dentistry > Department of Fundamental Dental and Medical Sciences Kulliyyah of Dentistry
Depositing User:	AP Ts Dr Mohd Hafiz Arzmi
Date Deposited:	13 Feb 2024 12:27
Last Modified:	13 Feb 2024 12:27
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/110832

Actions (login required)

View Item