Candida auris: An Emerging Threat

Course overview

A little over a decade after it was identified, Candida auris is a growing threat. It has spread to 6 of 7 continents and has been responsible for several deadly outbreaks. In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention listed C. auris as an urgent drug-resistant threat with a high mortality rate. Action is needed now to contain this rapidly emerging pathogen, including surveillance, laboratory identification, and infection control measures. This webinar will provide a review of the scientific literature and evidence-based guidelines for controlling this novel pathogenic fungus, as well as provide key actions that facilities should be doing now. Participants will learn about: The history and epidemiology of C. auris, a growing urgent and emerging antimicrobial-resistant threat The importance of surveillance, and why this pathogen is so difficult to identify by routine laboratory methods. Lessons learned from outbreaks and how this pathogen spreads within a facility How to facilitate adherence to infection prevention and control measures to contain C. auris The nuances of cleaning & disinfection as it relates to this unique pathogen. Several resources will be provided that participants can add to the C. auris resource library. The over-arching goal of this webinar is to bring attention to this urgent threat and inform healthcare facilities on actions they should be taking now.