Candida auris (C.auris)

Candida auris is a problem because:

• It causes serious infections
• It can be difficult to treat as it is often resistant to many of the regular medicines used to treat this type of infection
• It is difficult to identify in the laboratory
• It can cause outbreaks in hospitals and residential aged care facilities

In most people C. auris is harmless and are colonised and does not cause infection. However, in some people, such as those whose immune system is weak or compromised, C. auris can become a serious problem. It may cause serious bloodstream, urine, wound or ear infections.

Most C. auris infections are treatable with antifungal drugs called echinocandins. However, some C. auris infections have been resistant to all of the three main types of antifungal medications, making them more difficult to treat.

In this situation, multiple antifungals at high doses may be required to treat the infection. Your doctor will provide more specific information regarding any treatment you may require.

If you are found to have C. auris, your healthcare team will continue to provide the same level of care. In addition, the following extra precautions will be taken while you are in hospital to prevent the spread of C. auris:

• You will be moved to a single room and a sign will be placed on your door to remind health care workers who enter your room to wear a gown and gloves
• Your room will have an ensuite or be allocated a bathroom that is not shared
• You will be asked to stay in your room where possible, unless you need to be transferred for tests or treatment
  • If you leave your room, you will need to wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand rub before entering or leaving your room.
• You should try to avoid touching any areas of broken skin or wound dressings, to reduce the risk of spreading infection
• An alert will be placed in your hospital record to alert staff if you are admitted another time that extra infection control precautions are required

Your family and friends can visit you. However, to prevent the spread of C. auris to other patients or the environment, it is important that all your visitors wash their hands or use an alcohol-based hand rub before entering and leaving your room each time.

Your visitors should also follow these precautions:

• Do not eat or drink whilst visiting in the patient’s room
• Do not use the patient’s designated hospital bathroom (or ensuite)
• Avoid visiting any other patients in hospital immediately after visiting you
• If visitors or family help you with care such as assistance with dressing or showering, then they may be asked to wear gloves and a gown.

• If you go to another healthcare facility, healthcare provider (e.g. doctor or physiotherapist) or have home care services, you need to tell them that you have C. auris. This will assist then to ensure they provide adequate care for you
• Take your hospital discharge summary with you
• There is no need to inform other community-based facilities or businesses that are not healthcare-related (e.g. public swimming pool)
• Patients with a C. auris infection will usually be treated with antifungal medicines
• No special treatment is required for patients found to be carrying C. auris without any symptoms or signs of infection

To prevent the spread of C. auris to other people when you are at home, it is important that you follow these general hygiene practices:

• Always wash your hands with soap and water and dry thoroughly:
  • After going to the toilet
  • Before preparing and eating food
  • Before and after touching any wounds or medical devices that you may have
• Use your own towels and face cloths. Do not share these items with other people
• Cover any skin wounds whenever possible
• Keep surfaces such as benchtops, bathrooms and toilets clean

No special requirements are needed for your clothing and towels, eating utensils and dishes. They can be washed in the normal way using detergent or laundry powder. Extra disinfectant is not needed.