Highlighting Surge in Drug-Resistant Fungal Infections in England, Particularly Candidozyma Auris
Deadly fungal infections that penetrate the bloodstream are surging, according to scientists, who also pinpoint those most susceptible.
Health authorities in England have expressed concern over a rise in several severe fungal infections, including one deemed a significant threat to humanity.
According to new data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), cases of fungal infections entering the bloodstream increased slightly from 3.8 to 3.9 per 100,000 people in 2024. Most of these cases occurred in vulnerable patients in hospitals, especially those with weakened immune systems.
Among the most concerning fungal species responsible for these infections are Candida albicans, Nakaseomyces glabratus, and Candida parapsilosis, which are increasingly difficult to treat due to drug resistance.
Notably, the World Health Organization (WHO) has listed Candida albicans as one of 19 deadly fungi posing a severe threat to humanity.
Candidozyma auris, a drug-resistant fungus, poses the most significant concern among the new cases. Over the period between 2013 and 2024, there were 637 reported cases in England, with 178 cases reported last year alone. Initially rare, this fungus has steadily risen, especially post-COVID pandemic restrictions.
Candidozyma auris is particularly dangerous due to its resistance to multiple antifungal medications and its ease of spread within hospitals. Experts suggest that various factors, such as the rise in complex surgeries, longer hospital stays, increased antibiotic use, and the nation's ageing population, contribute to the rise in these infections.
To address this threat, the UKHSA has bolstered surveillance and made Candidozyma auris a notifiable infection. This means hospitals are mandated to quickly report cases to facilitate prompt control of outbreaks.
Healthcare providers are also improving infection prevention and control measures, focusing on enhanced hygiene practices and the implementation of rapid fungal diagnostics for early detection and better management of these infections. Moreover, public health vigilance and continuous research into the causes of the rise in these infections are ongoing to ensure patient safety.
Sources:
- [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Candida auris. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/auris/index.html
- [2] World Health Organization. (2020). Global action on antimicrobial resistance. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-antibiotic-awareness-week/2020
- [3] UK Health Security Agency. (2022). Antimicrobial resistance: Key facts. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/antimicrobial-resistance-key-facts
- [4] Public Health England. (2020). Multi-drug resistant Candida auris: Evidence summary. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/candida-auris--2
- To combat the rising threat of Candidozyma auris, healthcare providers are focusing on enhancing hygiene practices and implementing rapid fungal diagnostics for early detection.
- The rise in complex surgeries, longer hospital stays, increased antibiotic use, and an ageing population are factors contributing to the increase in severe fungal infections.
- In line with this, the UKHSA has made Candidozyma auris a notifiable infection, requiring hospitals to promptly report cases to facilitate control of outbreaks.
- The World Health Organization has listed Candida albicans, among other fungi, as a severe threat to humanity due to its increasing drug resistance.
- Fitness and exercise, mental health, skin care, and other aspects of health and wellness are crucial in maintaining a robust immune system and reducing susceptibility to fungal infections.
- Addressing chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and promoting workplace wellness are also essential in minimizing the risk of critical medical conditions that weaken the immune system and make individuals more vulnerable to severe fungal infections.
