The emergence of a novel fungal disease Candida auris/COVID-19 coinfection

Abstract

Candida auris is a novel fungus that has swiftly become a huge threat to global public health. This condition is difficult to treat because it may develop resistance to antifungal medications and spread quickly among vulnerable populations, such as those in hospitals [1] . The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exacerbated things by increasing the risk of infection and emphasising the need for infection prevention and control strategies [2] .The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant role in the surge of C. auris infections. Patients with COVID-19 who are critically ill are more prone to secondary infections, especially fungal infections. The use of mechanical ventilation for an extended period of time, as well as the widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, may promote the development of C. auris infections [3] .COVID-19 patients treated in intensive care units (ICUs) and hospitalised for lengthy periods of time exhibited a substantial prevalence of C. auris colonisation, according to studies. According to an Indian study, 44% of COVID-19 patients admitted to ICUs exhibited C. auris colonisation, which was associated with a higher mortality rate [4] . In addition, a study done in Spain revealed that C. auris was the most prevalent fungus species detected in COVID-19 patients' respiratory samples in ICUs [5] .The coinfection of COVID-19 and C. auris poses a significant challenge to global healthcare systems [6] . C. auris infections may be difficult to treat and may need lengthy hospital stays, placing further strain on healthcare resources. There is also the prospect of C. auris outbreaks in hospitals, which might be devastating for vulnerable patients.