How to manage Candida auris infection in the elderly?

Question

Hello doctor,

My grandma is 78 and was admitted to the hospital for confusion and a low-grade fever, and now her blood cultures have come back showing Candida auris. We were shocked because we had never heard of it before, but her doctors said it is a serious, drug-resistant fungus and can be hard to treat. She has diabetes and kidney issues, and she is currently on oxygen and antibiotics. The staff said she has to be in isolation now. How dangerous is this infection, especially in someone elderly and already sick? Is there any treatment that works well? We are really scared about her recovery chances.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

You are right to be concerned. Candida auris (C. auris) is a serious, emerging fungal infection that is especially dangerous in older adults with other health issues, like your grandmother. Here is what you need to know, broken down clearly:

Why is C. auris so concerning?

Multidrug-resistant: Many strains resist common antifungals.
It spreads easily in hospitals: It can live on surfaces and be passed via contact.
Difficult to detect: Special laboratory tests are required to identify it correctly.
It can enter the bloodstream (as in your grandmother’s case), causing sepsis-like illness, which is life-threatening in vulnerable patients.

How serious is it for your grandma?

At 78 years old with:

Diabetes.
Kidney issues.
Oxygen dependence.

She is considered at high risk for severe complications:

The infection may progress faster.
Her immune system may not fight it off easily.
Recovery depends on how early treatment starts and how well her organs function.

Is there an effective treatment?

Yes, but it is limited. Doctors typically:

Stop unnecessary antibiotics (which weaken her defense against fungi).
Monitor closely for organ dysfunction, especially kidneys and lungs.
Place her in strict isolation to protect others and prevent reinfection.

What are her chances of recovery?

Unfortunately, mortality rates for bloodstream C. auris infections are 30 to 60 percent, especially in patients:

Over 65 years of age.
With multiple chronic illnesses.
Already hospitalized or in the ICUs (intensive care units).

But survival is possible, especially if:

Antifungal treatment is started quickly.
The strain is susceptible.
Other infections are controlled.
She is hemodynamically stable.

What you can do as a family?

Stay informed, ask her doctors about:

The susceptibility profile of her C. auris strain.
What antifungal is she on, and how is she responding?
Her organ function and how closely it is being monitored.
Ensure strict hygiene and isolation protocols are followed.
Provide emotional support and ask for updates on fluid status, nutrition, and vitals.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.