Reacción a "Candida auris infections in Spain are the highest in Europe over the last decade, according to an ECDC report"

This latest survey (the fourth of its kind) shows the status, as of June 7, 2024, of the yeast Candidozyma auris (formerly Candida auris). This relatively recent pathogen (first described in 2009 in a Japanese patient) has caused numerous outbreaks in hospitals around the world, outbreaks that are very difficult to eradicate. The main concern regarding this pathogen is that it causes candidemia (bloodstream infection), is resistant to antifungal drugs, and tends to spread in intensive care units, where patients are often critically ill.

This survey, conducted in countries of the European Economic Area, three Balkan countries, and Turkey, confirms that the microorganism continues to spread and that cases are still increasing. Three countries report new cases (France, Germany, and Cyprus), while in other countries it is no longer possible to distinguish a specific outbreak from an already endemic situation (Spain, Italy, Romania, and Greece). This data is very important for understanding the epidemiological situation of this pathogen, which spreads very rapidly.  However, the study notes that this is likely only the tip of the iceberg, as many hospitals still do not actively screen for colonized patients (those without an active infection). It is essential to continue raising awareness about the importance of establishing national epidemiological surveillance systems and infection control measures to curb the spread of this pathogen.