Can my Candida auris infection spread to my family members?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am recovering from a Candida auris infection I got during a hospital stay. I am scared because I read it is super drug-resistant and spreads easily. Please tell me,

How do I know if it has truly been removed from my system?

Can it return or reside in my body without causing symptoms?
Should my family be worried about catching it from me?
Are there any new antifungal treatments being used now?
How serious is this fungus long-term for immunocompromised people?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Candida auris (C. auris) is a multidrug-resistant fungus that often colonizes your skin, wounds, or urinary tract. This can lead to invasive infections like bloodstream infections or sepsis. It can be serious, even life-threatening infections, especially in vulnerable individuals who has history of medical illnesses includes

Diabetes.
Hypertension.
Immunocompromised individuals.

As it spreads with contact, isolation with gowns and gloves is crucial.

Mode of transmission

Direct contact with the infected person.
Indirect contact or spreads via infested surfaces like doorknobs, table surfaces, etc.
In hospitals, after coming in contact with affected patients.

Hence, risk is there to transmit to your family members. You can follow the advice mentioned below

You should be admitted to the hospital or get yourself checked by a doctor.
The doctor will check drug sensitivity as C. auris is a multidrug-resistant fungus. The drug sensitivity and specificity need to be determined by culture.
Anti-fungal drugs like Liposomal Amphotericin B or Fluconazole will improve the symptoms and ensure adequate antifungal coverage.
Doctors can also use a combination of antifungal therapies.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.