Candida auris – A Warning
Review by Frank M. Jordan, MBA
The CDC has reported that the dangerous fungus strains, C. auris are now in many U.S. states with geographic spread of these fungal infections increasing at an alarming rate. This is not the form of fungal Candida that most people are familiar with as a health threat. To date, this highly pathogenic fungus has been infecting primarily neonates and very young infants with undeveloped immune systems, as well as older people that are immuno-compromised, having other risk factors due to age, diet, disease, poor health habits, genetics or other causes. This C. auris fungal strain can be lethal with a high mortality rate so learn more about this disease and who is most susceptible.
Your best defense for infection prevention as an adult against C. auris is to eat a healthy diet, moderately exercise, wash hands, get adequate sleep, avoid drugs and alcohol and supplement with proven immune response enhancing nutritional supplements such as beta 1,3/1,6 glucan.
To date, unfortunately lessening in effectiveness, are the class of anti-fungals designated as “echinocandins” often prescribed for C. auris. Reports of echinocandin pan-resistant infection cases such as C. auris are increasing rapidly. Echinocandins are a class of antifungal drugs that have often been termed the “penicillin of antifungals,” but resistance to these and other antifungal medicines are reported to have developed quickly, making treatment options more and more limited.
Anyone diagnosed by medical professionals to have Candida auris should be carefully monitored for clinical improvement or deterioration from and after any antifungal treatment. Physicians should stay informed of latest medical developments for effective medications and treatments for the pathogenic fungus, C. auris. In treatment, follow-up cultures and repeat susceptibility testing should be conducted. In bad news, know that both recurrent and persistent C. auris bloodstream infections have been diagnosed.
Adding to current treatment status for C. auris, the scary fact is to date data on the effectiveness of available anti-fungals on C. auris are not proven as to the most appropriate therapy for pan-resistant C. auris strains. Healthy people that are not immuno-compromised at present are in a low-risk population for being infected by Candida auris, but not totally immune from getting the fungal infection at any age. The best defense is to keep your immune system in good condition.
The CDC further recommends, “All other considerations for management of C auris are similar to other Candida species infections. Details are available in the 2016 IDSA Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Candidiasis.” Vigilance in inspecting for C. auris infection should be done for any susceptible persons, as well as maintaining proper infection control practices.
This limited notice about the C. auris health threat, with high potential mortality for susceptible populations, can only warn that neonates and infants in the 2 months of age range should be under medical treatment by health care professionals if diagnosed with C. auris.
The CDC states: “The initial treatment of choice for this very young age group is amphotericin B deoxycholate, 1 mg/kg daily. If unresponsive to amphotericin B deoxycholate, liposomal amphotericin B, 5 mg/kg daily, could be considered.” For more information google, “C. auris” and find the latest CDC reporting on the C. auris infection for various high exposure groups including the very young. Let us repeat, if C. auris is suspected, see a qualified physician immediately.
Patients who become colonized with C. auris are at risk of developing invasive infections from this organism. Be aware Invasive infections can develop at any point after patients become colonized with this fungus, often present on the skin and transmitted similar to ring worm.
Medical devices are another potential source of infection. Be aware that those with or exposed to C. auris in treatment may have to utilize invasive lines and tubes, including various forms of catheters and tracheostomy tubes. These and other medical devices can become patient potential portals of entry for the C. auris organism into body sites.
The CDC also warns that, “Patients colonized with C. auris, including those undergoing surgical procedures, may also be at increased risk for surgical site infections. Meticulous skin preparation in the operating room should be performed using an alcohol-based agent unless contraindicated. Further guidance on preventing surgical site infections is available in the CDC Guideline for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection.”
In summary, drug-resistant Candida Auris is an urgent health threat and a dangerous fungal pathogen you and your friends and family want to avoid. The best defense against this dangerous fungal pathogen is to keep your immune system in the best possible condition for your personal situation.
To nutritionally contribute to enhancing your immune cell defense against pathogens that seek to take your health, daily use beta 1,3/1,6 glucan together with Caprylic acid. See www.betaglucan.org for extensive research on the beta 1,3/1,6 glucan as a biological defense modifier by the FDA and classified as GRAS or generally recognized as safe.
If you suspect a Candida Auris fungal infection, seek professional medical attention immediately.
- CDC link – https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/candida-auris
- Information and statements regarding dietary supplements or other products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
