Emerging Fungal Pandemic: Candidozyma auris as a cause of invasive fungal infection in Panama

Abstract

Introduction: Candidozyma auris (C. auris) has emerged in recent years as a significant pathogen in the hospital setting, associated with outbreaks, antifungal resistance, and high mortality. 

Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of patients with invasive C. auris infection in a tertiary care hospital in Panama during 2023. 

Method: A sub-analysis of a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study was conducted, including hospitalized patients diagnosed with invasive candidiasis. Patients with C. auris isolates were selected, and clinical and microbiological variables were analyzed. 

Results: Thirteen patients with C. auris isolates were included; 69 %  were male, the mean age was 68 years, the mean hospital stay was 72 days. The associated risk factors included: broad-spectrum antibiotics prior to isolation in 100 % of patients, use of a central venous catheter in 85 %, and use of a urethral catheter in 69 %. Candidemia was reported in 69 %, while urinary tract infections occurred in 31 %. The most frequent comorbidity was type 2 diabetes mellitus in 46 %, and the overall mortality rate was 46 %.  

Discussion: In our series, C. auris infection predominantly affects males, primarily those over 60 years of age with prolonged hospital stays. These factors, along with the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and invasive devices, may contribute to the high mortality rate observed.