Candida auris

July 11, 2023

A new study has shed light on the presence of Candida auris, an emerging fungus that poses a significant global health threat. The study, conducted by scientists from Delhi University and McMaster University, has identified live cultures of Candida auris in the ear canals of hospitalized stray dogs in the capital. This finding raises concerns about potential transmission and the role of animals in the spread of this multidrug-resistant fungus.

The Emergence of Candida Auris

Candida auris is a species of fungus that grows as yeast and causes candidiasis, a serious infection in humans. It is often acquired in hospitals, primarily by patients with weakened immune systems. Since its first reported appearance in 2009, Candida auris has become a global concern due to its multidrug resistance, making treatment challenging. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified it as a critical priority group.

Study Findings

The study examined 87 dogs in the in-patient department of Delhi’s Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre. Remarkably, four dogs (4.5% of the sample) were found to have evidence of Candida auris infection or colonization in their ear canals and on the surface of their skin. This discovery is the first documented isolation of live Candida auris cultures from an animal source.

Potential Transmission and Implications

While the study highlights the presence of Candida auris in dogs, the exact routes of transmission and the clinical significance of transmission between dogs and humans remain unclear. However, the study suggests that pets, including stray dogs, could act as reservoirs for superbugs, potentially transmitting infections to humans. Further investigations are required to fully understand the implications and modes of transmission.

Challenges in Treatment and Identification

Candida auris strains have shown resistance to all three available classes of antifungals, making treatment difficult. Moreover, the fungus is challenging to identify using standard laboratory methods, leading to potential misidentification in labs without specific technology. Misidentification can result in inappropriate management and outbreaks in healthcare settings, highlighting the importance of accurate detection and treatment.

Broader Environmental Presence

Beyond hospitals, Candida auris has been isolated from various environments, including the surface of stored apples, tidal marshes, hypersaline environments, and wastewater. These findings suggest that the yeast can survive in diverse and harsh conditions, raising concerns about its widespread presence and potential impact.

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