Genomic epidemiology describes introduction and outbreaks of antifungal drug-resistant Candida auris

Journal article

Candida auris is a globally emerged fungal pathogen causing nosocomial invasive infections. Here, we use cutting-edge genomic approaches to elucidate the temporal and geographic epidemiology of drug-resistant C. auris within the UK. We analysed a representative sample of over 200 isolates from multiple UK hospitals to assess the number and timings of C. auris introductions and infer subsequent patterns of inter- and intra-hospital transmission of azole drug-resistant isolates. We identify at least one introduction from Clade I and two from Clade III into the UK, and observe temporal and geographical evidence for multiple transmission events of antifungal drug resistant isolates between hospitals and identified local within-hospital patient-to-patient transmission events. Our study confirms outbreaks of drug-resistant C. auris are linked and that transmission amongst patients occurs, explaining local hospital outbreaks, and demonstrating a need for improved epidemiological surveillance of C. auris to protect patients and healthcare services.

Authors: Kappel, D; Gifford, H; Brackin, A; Abdolrasouli, A; Eyre, DW

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Springer Nature [academic journals on nature.com]
• Journal: npj Antimicrobials and Resistance
• Volume: 2
• Issue: 1
• Article number: 26
• Publication date: 2024-09-30
• Acceptance date: 2024-08-27
• DOI: 10.1038/s44259-024-00043-6
• EISSN: 2731-8745
• Language: English