Journal of Clinical Microbiology
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
5 years ago

Survival, Persistence, and Isolation of the Emerging Multidrug-Resistant Pathogenic Yeast Candida auris on a Plastic Healthcare Surface.

Welsh RM, Rose LJ, Lyons A, Houston H, Bentz ML, Shams A, Litvintseva AP
The emerging multidrug-resistant pathogenic yeast Candida auris represents a serious threat to global health. Unlike most other Candida species, this organism appears to be commonly transmitted within healthcare facilities and is capable of causing healthcare-associated outbreaks. To better understand the epidemiology of this emerging pathogen we investigated the ability of C. auris to persist on plastic surfaces common in healthcare settings and compared with that of Candida parapsilosis, a species known to colonize the skin and plastics. Specifically, we compiled comparative and quantitative data essential to understanding the vehicles of spread and the ability of both species to survive and persist on plastic surfaces under controlled conditions (25°C & 57% relative humidity), such as those found in healthcare settings. When a test suspension of 104 cells was applied and dried on plastic surfaces, C. auris remained viable for at least 14 days and C. parapsilosis 28 days, as measured by colony forming units (CFU). However, survival measured by esterase activity was higher for C. auris than C. parapsilosis throughout the 28 day study. Given the notable length of time Candida survive and persist outside their host, we developed methods to more effectively culture C. auris from patients and their environment. Using our enrichment protocol, public health laboratories and researchers can now readily isolate C. auris from complex microbial communities (such as patient skin, nasopharynx, and stool) as well as environmental biofilms, in order to better understand and prevent C. auris colonization and transmission.

Publisher URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28747370

DOI: PubMed:28747370

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