CDC: Deadly Candida Fungus Goes Viral

Does CDC show how to do its job right in warning it’s detected in most US states a quickly-spreading & deadly fungus called Candida auris? Can it work in warp speed with big pharma for an antidote before cases pile up?

As the WSJ story notes, “Candida auris infections have grown from dozens” when identified in the US circa 2016 to “more than 2,000 annually.” Researchers say the invasive colonizing Candida yeast was discovered about 15 years ago in the ear of a Japanese patient. CDC worries “its swift spread into most US states & 40 countries” is eye-opening since it has a mortality rate of up to 60% & “is particularly risky for people who are older or have compromised immune systems.”

Where have we heard THAT before? In a study published recently in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the first documented Candida auris infection in the US was in 2013. CDC says while cases of the drug-resistant fungus were once mostly limited to New York City & Chicago, they’ve since been reported in 35 states & DC. Most of the cases trigger symptoms that include fever & chills. The researchers found cases have occurred chiefly in healthcare facilities that provide long-term care to very sick people. Common disinfectants including bleach & alcohol aren’t always effective against the new fungus species, while antifungal drugs commonly used for severe fungal diseases aren’t always working. Meanwhile, Scynexis Inc & Pfizer are said to be developing drugs that have been shown in clinical trials to be effective against Candida auris. Cidara Therapeutics also said it has asked the FDA to approve its rezafungin to treat Candida infections.

Davd Soul