# Candidozyma auris Reported in Scotland: a Call for Vigilance Amid Global Rise

## TL;DR

Candidozyma auris, a dangerous yeast, has been found in Scotland for the first time, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and screening to prevent its spread.

## Contribution

This paper reports the first cases of Candidozyma auris in Scotland and emphasizes the importance of surveillance for imported infections.

## Key findings

- Eight cases of Candidozyma auris were identified in Scotland, all linked to international healthcare exposure.
- Scotland has the lowest reported cases in Western and Northern Europe, with all cases being imported.
- The findings support the need for enhanced surveillance and screening to prevent transmission.

## Abstract

Candidozyma auris (formerly Candida auris) is an emerging pathogenic yeast associated with healthcare outbreaks worldwide. Despite increasing reports across Europe, no published data have previously described cases in Scotland. Here, we report the first detections of C. auris in Scotland, as submitted to ARHAI Scotland. Eight cases (seven colonisations, one infection) were identified to date across four NHS Scotland boards, all linked to repatriation or recent hospitalisation abroad. To contextualise these findings, we reviewed publicly available literature and surveillance data for Western and Northern Europe, identifying considerable variation in case numbers and highlighting Scotland’s position among countries with the lowest reported cases. All Scottish cases were imported, underscoring the importance of targeted screening of patients with international healthcare exposure. These findings inform preparedness planning and support recommendations for strengthened surveillance to prevent onward transmission.