Candida auris (C. auris) is a type of yeast that can cause severe illness and spread easily among very sick patients in healthcare facilities
Howard Lloyd Regional content editor and Carrington Walker GAU Writer
16:41, 31 Dec 2025Updated 16:41, 31 Dec 2025
Candida auris is a yeast responsible for many infections
A group of scientists has raised the alarm, declaring a drug-resistant strain of a common fungus as a ‘global health threat’. Candida auris (C. Auris), a type of yeast, can cause severe illness and is easily transmitted among critically ill patients in healthcare facilities.
The fungus can cause a range of infections, from mild skin conditions to more serious, potentially fatal issues such as bloodstream infections. Alarmingly, it often exhibits resistance to antifungal medications, meaning the fungus can overcome the drugs intended to eliminate it.
This resistance can render medical treatments ineffective. Each year, nearly 6.5 million people globally are affected by fungal infections. The challenge in treating these infections can result in a mortality rate exceeding 50 per cent, reports Surrey Live.
Candida auris(Image: Getty Images)
C. Auris poses a particular risk to individuals with compromised immune systems. First identified in 2009 in the ear canal of a patient in Japan, it has since been found worldwide and was declared a public health threat in India in 2014. C. Auris can infect various parts of the body, including the blood, wounds, and ears.
Symptoms depend on the location and severity of the infection. They may resemble those of bacterial infections, such as fever or chills, but there isn’t a standard set of symptoms specific to C. auris infections.
“Candida auris (Candidozyma auris) is an emerging human fungal pathogen causing disseminated infections of high mortality (30–72%) in individuals with underlying diseases or impaired immunity,” the study reads.
“The pronounced skin tropism and pan-antifungal resistance of Candida auris pose a serious global health threat. A key question in C. auris biology is how clinical isolates acquire amphotericin B resistance.”
Individuals can carry C. auris on their skin and other parts of the body without displaying any symptoms.
Candida auris is a yeast responsible for many infections(Image: BSIP, BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Medical professionals describe this condition as ‘colonisation. ‘ Those who are colonised can transfer C. auris to surfaces and objects in their vicinity and to other patients.
The research highlights that the fungus is quickly developing drug resistance through its capacity to transform from a yeast-like form into a filament-driven spreading pattern. It also possesses cell wall proteins that allow it to adhere to human skin “like glue” and establish itself there.
The fungus features “efflux pumps” on its cell membrane which can expel antifungal medications before they prove lethal. It also clusters together to create slimy biofilm layers on surfaces, making it challenging for drugs to break through.
Rohini Manuel, consultant medical microbiologist at UKHSA said: “C. auris rarely causes infections in healthy people although it can pose a risk to people in healthcare settings with weakened immune systems. Rates of C. auris in hospitals in England are very low, however they have been rising in recent years.
“UKHSA is working with the NHS to investigate the reasons behind this. Factors may include a rise in the fungus globally. Hospital outbreaks in this country are rare but we are supporting a small number of Trusts to limit the spread of C. auris.”
