Fungal Infections are becoming dangerously resistant .. and more deadly

Tuesday, July 6th, 2021

The rise of antifungal resistance is a problem that needs more widespread attention and action  – equal in scale to the global mobilization around multidrug-resistant bacteria. Most fungal infections worldwide are caused by a genus of fungi called Candida, particularly the species called Candida albicans. But there are others, including Candida auris.

According to Dr. Rodney E. Rohde, Professor of Clinical Laboratory Science, Texas State University  “I’ve worked in public health and medical laboratories for over three decades, specializing in public health and clinical microbiology, antimicrobial resistance and accurate science communication and health literacy. I’ve been paying close attention to the growing resistance of a pathogenic fungus called Candida auris to limited and commonly used anti-fungal agents…..  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have set C. auris infections at an “urgent” threat level because 90% are resistant to at least one antifungal, 30% to two antifungals, and some are resistant to all three available classes of antifungals. This multidrug resistance has led to outbreaks in health care settings, especially hospitals and nursing homes, that are extremely difficult to control.”  Watch full interview with Dr. Rohde on AHE Interview - Antimicrobial Resistance, HAIs and the Environment!

COVID-19 and C. auris: An even deadlier combination.   Read more in this article authored by Dr. Rohde about this the fungus and how it has been a  “lurking scourge” amid the COVID-19 pandemic

The CDC sounded the alarm in 2019, about The Unexpected And Troubling Rise Of Candida Auris