Dutch health institute prepares for possible outbreak of ‘candida auris’ fungus | Science & Planet

The candida auris fungus is rare and quite difficult to treat, says RIVM researcher Thijs Bosch. Auris is related to the better known ‘candida albicans’, which can cause vaginal yeast in women. According to researchers, auris appears to be less pathogenic than albicans. But for people with weak immune systems, both fungi can be life-threatening. People with a healthy immune system can cure a fungus themselves.

In the Netherlands, five cases of an infection with the candida auris fungus were discovered in the past five years. According to the RIVM, these were always patients who had contracted the fungus abroad and had not become ill. “We try to be prepared if it starts to happen more often here,” says Bosch. “In that case, we want to be able to conduct good outbreak investigations,” it sounds.

Candida auris can spread from person to person, but possibly also through medical devices. Although medical equipment is always properly disinfected, according to Bosch there is always “a minimal chance” that they will spread the fungus. There is still a lot of uncertainty about exactly how people are infected, it sounds.

After infection, people can carry candida auris without being affected, but in some cases the fungus can still lead to an infection. This can be especially dangerous for people with a weakened immune system. Treating the fungus is difficult as it is resistant to most drugs.

LOOK. How dangerous is the candida auris fungus?