Genomic epidemiology describes introduction and outbreaks of antifungal drug-resistant Candida auris
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: 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.
Institutions: Imperial College London, University of Exeter, MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, King's College Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, King's College London, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, National Institute for Health and Care Research, UK Health Security Agency, Radboud University Nijmegen, Radboud University Medical Center
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,090
OpenAlex ID: W4403013841