How to cure candida auris infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

My dad’s been feeling off lately, and it has gotten worse this week. He is 61, diabetic, and just got out of the hospital 10 days ago after a minor surgery. Now he’s got this fever that keeps spiking—103 sometimes—and he shivers like crazy even when the room's warm. The hospital just called and said one of his blood cultures grew Candida auris, which we have never heard of before. They did not explain much; they just said it was serious and to bring him in. We are nervous because he’s already weak and sleeps most of the day. How is this treated? Is it like a regular fungal infection or something worse? Is it contagious to the family? How urgent is it to get him seen again? Can we wait till morning, or does he need to go to the ER now?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Candida auris, a serious fungal infection, is caused by a multidrug-resistant fungus that can lead to invasive infections, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems. Candida auris can enter the bloodstream, resulting in candidemia, which may progress to sepsis. It can also affect the lungs, central nervous system, wounds, and other sterile areas. Therefore, it is advisable to take the patient to the hospital for admission. Timely detection and antifungal susceptibility testing are essential. Implementing strict infection control measures in hospitals, such as isolation, hand hygiene, and surface disinfection, is necessary. The patient will require dual antifungal therapy for 21 days.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.