Screening for Candidozyma auris in Healthcare Settings: A Critical Review of Current Methodologies and Epidemiological Impact
摘要
Candidozyma auris is an emerging fungal pathogen characterized by multi-drug resistance, high mortality, and a unique ability to persist in healthcare environments. U.S. cases increased significantly since 2019, and screening methodology remains logistically challenging. This review evaluates the efficacy and operation impact of three possible screening methods: Active Surveillance (AS), Point Prevalence Survey (PPS), and Epidemiological Linkage (Epi-link).
Recent FindingsA review of published reports indicates that test positivity varies widely, ranging from 0% to 52%. While Active Surveillance targeting high-risk admissions (e.g., patients from ventilator-equipped skilled nursing facilities) is the most proactive method for identifying asymptomatic carriers, it is resource-intensive and requires advanced diagnostic testing with a quick turn-around time. Point Prevalence Surveys provide situational snapshots during an outbreak but can miss emerging colonization and increase laboratory workloads. Epidemiological linkage offers precision to trace transmission but is time intensive due to manual chart review and data backlogs at state and/or national levels.
SummaryHealthcare facilities must balance available resources to determine how to best focus efforts to prevent C. auris transmission. No single method is universally optimal, and the building blocks of infection prevention must be used in a combination of approaches based on each facility’s capabilities. Ultimately, the rationale behind screening must balance with the value of transmission-based precautions; otherwise, maintaining these measures without confidence in their effectiveness can become a dereliction of the responsibility to promote patient safety. A comprehensive response assessment and response is necessary to address the rising prevalence of this urgent threat.