# Biocide Response of Candida auris

## TL;DR

This paper examines how Candida auris responds to various disinfectants, highlighting the need for tailored strategies to prevent its spread in healthcare settings.

## Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive review of C. auris biocide interactions and identifies optimal disinfection strategies.

## Key findings

- C. auris shows reduced susceptibility to quaternary ammonium compounds and variable tolerance to alcohol-based disinfectants.
- Chlorine-based oxidizers remain effective at appropriate concentrations and exposure durations.
- Biofilm formation enhances C. auris persistence and reduces disinfectant efficacy.

## Abstract

Candida auris is an emerging multidrug‐resistant yeast demonstrating remarkable persistence in healthcare environments, contributing to nosocomial transmission and outbreak persistence. Increasing disinfectant failure reports have raised concerns regarding infection control policies, as environmental reservoirs play central roles in its spread. We reviewed experimental studies, environmental surveillance reports, and comparative disinfection efficacy data to summarise interactions between
C. auris
and commonly used biocidal classes: chlorine‐based oxidizers, alcohol formulations, biguanides, and quaternary ammonium compounds. Mechanistic findings on biofilm formation, efflux activity, and stress‐response pathways were integrated to contextualise tolerance behaviour. Evidence indicates
C. auris
shows reduced susceptibility to quaternary ammonium compounds and demonstrates variable, strain‐dependent tolerance to alcohol‐based disinfectants, particularly with organic load or suboptimal contact times. Chlorine‐based oxidising agents maintain reliable activity at appropriate concentrations and exposure durations. Biofilm formation enhances environmental persistence and diminishes surface decontamination efficiency.
C. auris
requires disinfectant strategies distinct from other Candida species. Effective infection prevention depends on optimised agent selection, adequate contact times, and consideration of surface and organic‐matter conditions. Tailored decontamination protocols are essential to limit environmental persistence and interrupt nosocomial transmission.