# Understanding Candidozyma (Candida) auris: genomic evolution, antifungal resistance and the growing challenges in global infection control

## TL;DR

Candidozyma auris is a dangerous, drug-resistant fungus causing hospital outbreaks and high mortality, with challenges in controlling its spread and understanding its origins.

## Contribution

This work highlights the genomic evolution, antifungal resistance, and infection control challenges of Candidozyma auris.

## Key findings

- C. auris is multidrug-resistant and forms biofilms, complicating infection control.
- It persists on surfaces and skin, contributing to hospital outbreaks and high mortality.
- Genomic surveillance and improved antifungal strategies are urgently needed.

## Abstract

Infographic highlighting Candidozyma auris: a globally emerging, multidrug-resistant fungus with six clades, high mortality, hospital persistence, antifungal resistance, biofilm formation, stress response and environmental adaptability.

Candida auris (recently renamed Candidozyma auris) is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen, first identified in Japan in 2009. C. auris exhibits remarkable persistence on human skin and inanimate surfaces, resistance to multiple antifungals, notably fluconazole, and biofilm formation, which hinders infection control and leads to hospital outbreaks with high mortality rates. Despite ongoing research, key aspects of its reservoir origin, transmission routes and the best way to combat its spread and multidrug resistance remain unclear. Improving genomic surveillance and antifungal strategies is crucial to contain its spread and mitigate the growing public health threat posed by this resilient and potentially fatal fungal pathogen.