What is the management of Candida auris in older adults?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am worried because my mom, who is 70, was supposed to be discharged after her recent surgery, but then the doctors found Candida auris in her blood cultures. She is currently in the ICU and has started antifungal treatment, but the doctor said we should expect it to take a while to clear. Can she recover from this completely, or is there a risk of it becoming chronic? How long should we expect treatment to last, and is there anything we should be especially cautious about while she is still in the hospital?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Patients with Candida infections resistant to Fluconazole and Echinocandin drugs have very few treatment options. The primary treatment option is Amphotericin B. Candida infections usually can be eliminated with a short treatment (sometimes a single dose) of antifungal medication.

Most candida infections clear up with medication after a few days, but it may take a full week. More severe or immunocompromised cases may last longer and take longer to treat.

You must wear a gown and gloves [every time you go into the room (if contact precautions) / every time you are doing a high-contact resident care activity (if enhanced barrier precautions], clean equipment after use, and always do good hand hygiene. C. auris can cause healthcare outbreaks.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.