Candida auris infection, generally called C. auris, is a yeast that may potentially cause infections and spread across hospitals. This yeast may enter the circulation and spread all over the body, producing deadly invasive infections in certain people. Infection may occur in any body component, including blood or a wound. C. auris may also survive on the skin and other body parts without causing illness. This is referred to as “colonization.”
Because this yeast often does not react to routinely used antifungal medicines, infections are difficult to cure. Patients who have been in a healthcare institution for an extended period of time, who have previously had antibiotics or antifungal drugs, or who have a central venous catheter or other lines or tubes entering the body seem to be at the greatest risk of becoming infected with this yeast.