Candida auris is an emerging fungus causing serious illness, particularly in healthcare settings. This article explains the symptoms associated with Candida auris infection.
What is Candida auris?
Candida auris is a species of yeast known for causing severe infections. It is a multidrug-resistant fungus, making it difficult to treat with common antifungal medications. C. auris is frequently associated with healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and nursing homes, where it spreads easily among patients. Unlike many other Candida species, C. auris does not typically live naturally on the human body. It can persist on surfaces for extended periods, contributing to its spread in these environments.
The fungus can cause various infections, including those in the bloodstream, wounds, and ears. Health organizations identify it as an urgent threat due to its resistance and potential for severe, sometimes fatal, infections. While healthy individuals are generally not at risk, C. auris poses a significant threat to those who are already very ill or have weakened immune systems.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Candida auris Infection
Symptoms of a Candida auris infection often present in a non-specific manner, making them challenging to distinguish from other infections. The signs vary significantly depending on the body part affected. Common general symptoms include fever and chills, which may not improve even after antibiotic treatment for suspected bacterial infections.
When C. auris enters the bloodstream, it can cause lethargy, low blood pressure, an elevated heart rate, or a reduced body temperature. If the infection occurs in a wound, individuals might notice redness, swelling, pain, or discharge at the affected site. Ear infections can manifest as ear pain, a feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, or discharge from the ear. In cases of urinary tract infections, symptoms can include painful or frequent urination and cloudy urine.
Why Candida auris Symptoms Are Difficult to Identify
The symptoms of Candida auris infections are often difficult to pinpoint because they are not unique to this fungus. General indicators like fever and chills are common to many different conditions, which can lead to C. auris being overlooked or misidentified. This non-specificity means the infection can easily mimic symptoms of bacterial or other fungal infections.
C. auris predominantly affects individuals already experiencing severe illnesses or with compromised immune systems. Patients in intensive care units, those with central venous catheters, or those on ventilators are examples of such vulnerable populations. Their existing medical conditions and the presence of medical devices can obscure or complicate the recognition of C. auris symptoms, as these patients often exhibit a range of symptoms from their primary illnesses. The fungus can also occur simultaneously with other infections, further complicating symptom attribution. Because symptoms alone are insufficient for a definitive diagnosis, specialized laboratory tests are necessary to accurately identify C. auris.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention if you experience persistent, unexplained fever and chills, especially if these symptoms do not improve with typical antibiotic treatment. Individuals with specific risk factors should be particularly vigilant. These include a recent stay in a hospital or nursing home, a weakened immune system, or the presence of invasive medical devices like catheters or breathing tubes.
When consulting a healthcare provider, share information about any recent healthcare exposures or underlying health conditions. This context can help providers consider C. auris as a possibility. Healthcare professionals will then determine if specific testing for C. auris or other pathogens is appropriate based on the clinical presentation and individual circumstances.