Superfungus: Candida auris, leaves two people hospitalized in Pernambuco

Last Monday (22), the Hospital Miguel Arraes, in Pernambuco, had to suspend new appointments due to a lethal fungus that affects two patients admitted to the unit. The superfungus, known as candida auris, can cause serious infections that lead to death. In addition, the microorganism is resistant to antifungal drugs, which makes treatment difficult. authorities of U.S issued an alert to the health authorities.

According to the State Department of Health of Pernambuco (SES-PE), two male patients are hospitalized at Miguel Arraes with Candida auris. One of them is 48 years old and the other is 77 years old. This information was disclosed by the SES-PE. Faced with this scenario, Karla Baêta, general director of the Pernambuco Health Surveillance Agency (Apevisa)informed the TV Globo that new appointments were suspended at the hospital to prevent the spread of the fungus.

In early 2022, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) issued an alert about the danger of this fungus. “It is resistant to all three main classes of antifungals and its identification requires specific laboratory methods, since C. auris can be easily confused with other species”, highlighted. Candida auris poses a major risk to the global population, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC), as they are multiresistant, difficult to diagnose and can be contracted through surfaces and hospital equipment. However, the authorities point out that the causes of contamination are still unknown, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good hygiene and hand hygiene.

According to the responsible bodies, half of the patients who contracted the fungus died in approximately 90 days. Estimates indicate that 30% to 60% of those infected died. As of this writing, the hospital has not released updates on the health status of patients.

Featured photo: Candida auris fungus/Social networks/Disclosure/Reproduction