Investigation of a Candida auris outbreak in a skilled nursing facility - Virginia, United States, October 2020-June 2021

Am J Infect Control. 2023 Apr;51(4):472-474. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.12.003. Epub 2022 Dec 17.

Abstract

Candida auris, an emerging multi-drug resistant organism, is an urgent public health threat. We report on a C. auris outbreak investigation at a Virginia ventilator skilled nursing facility. During October 2020-June 2021, we identified 28 cases among residents in the ventilator unit. Genomic evidence suggested ≥2 distinct C. auris introductions to the facility. We identified multiple infection and prevention control challenges, highlighting the importance of strengthening multi-drug resistant organism prevention efforts at ventilator skilled nursing facilities.

Keywords: Emerging infectious disease; Infection prevention and control; Multidrug resistant organism; Ventilator skilled nursing facility.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Candida auris
  • Candida* / genetics
  • Candidiasis* / drug therapy
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Fungal
  • Humans
  • Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • United States
  • Virginia / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents