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Candida auris Updates: Outbreak Evaluation through Molecular Assays and Antifungal Stewardship—A Narrative Review

Authors :
Silvia Ionescu
Ionut Luchian
Costin Damian
Ancuta Goriuc
Elena Porumb-Andrese
Cosmin Gabriel Popa
Roxana Gabriela Cobzaru
Carmen Ripa
Ramona Gabriela Ursu
Source :
Current Issues in Molecular Biology, Vol 46, Iss 6, Pp 6069-6084 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Candida auris was reported by the WHO as second to Cryptococcus neoformans, in the list of nineteen fungal priority pathogens, along with two species with a new nomenclature, Nakaseomyces glabrata (Candida glabrata) and Pichia kudriavzevii (Candida krusei). This novel classification was based on antifungal resistance, the number of deaths, evidence-based treatment, access to diagnostics, annual incidence, and complications and sequelae. We assessed which molecular assays have been used to diagnose Candida auris outbreaks in the last five years. Using “Candida auris; outbreak; molecular detection” as keywords, our search in PubMed revealed 32 results, from which we selected 23 original papers published in 2019–2024. The analyzed studies revealed that the detection methods were very different: from the VITEK® 2 System to MALDI TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight), NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing), WGS (Whole Genome Sequencing), and commercially available real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) assays. Moreover, we identified studies that detected antifungal resistance genes (e.g., FKS for echinocandins and ERG11 for azoles). The analyzed outbreaks were from all continents, which confirms the capability of this yeast to spread between humans and to contaminate the environment. It is important that real-time PCR assays were developed for accurate and affordable detection by all laboratories, including the detection of antifungal resistance genes. This will allow the fast and efficient implementation of stewardship programs in hospitals.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14673045 and 14673037
Volume :
46
Issue :
6
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.15ff65fbc2c94c15b3599f27a860dad4
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46060362