Infections are rising sharply. Hospitals are sounding the alarm: drugs aren't working.
- The number of infections with the dangerous, drug-resistant fungus Candidozyma auris in Europe is growing rapidly – as many as 1,346 cases were reported in 2023
- The pathogen spreads easily in hospitals, survives on equipment and surfaces, causing severe infections in people with weakened immune systems.
- The highest number of cases was recorded in Spain, Greece, Italy, Romania and Germany, while new outbreaks appeared in France and Cyprus, among others.
- ECDC experts warn that the lack of full surveillance and guidelines in many countries means that the scale of the problem may be much greater than official data
The latest study conducted by ECDC shows that the number of cases and the scale of epidemic outbreaks of Candidozyma auris (formerly Candida auris) are increasing .
Candidozyma auris (C. auris) is a fungus that typically spreads in healthcare settings. It is often resistant to antifungal drugs and can cause serious infections in immunocompromised patients. It can survive on various surfaces and medical equipment and spread between patients.
Between 2013 and 2023, EU/EEA (European Economic Area) countries reported over 4,000 cases, and in 2023 alone, this number increased significantly, to 1,346 cases reported by 18 countries. Five countries were responsible for the majority of cases during the 2013-2023 decade – Spain (1,807), Greece (852), Italy (712), Romania (404), and Germany (120).
ECDC has regularly assessed the epidemiological situation, laboratory capacity and health system preparedness to respond to C. auris infection in four studies since 2018 and publishes rapid risk assessments, including infection prevention and control options.
The latest study of this type confirms that Candidozyma auris continues to spread rapidly in European hospitals, posing a serious threat to patients and healthcare systems. It highlights the importance of early detection and transmission control to avoid the rapid and widespread spread of infections.
"C. auris has spread in just a few years, from isolated cases to widespread occurrence in some countries. This demonstrates how quickly it can establish itself in hospitals," said Dr. Diamantis Plachouras, Head of the Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare-Associated Infections Section at ECDC, as quoted in press materials. "However, it is not inevitable," he added.
Recent outbreaks have been reported in Cyprus, France, and Germany, while Greece, Italy, Romania, and Spain indicated that they could no longer distinguish specific outbreaks due to widespread regional or national spread. In some of these countries, sustained local transmission occurred within just a few years of the first documented case, indicating a critical juncture for early interventions to contain the spread of the disease.
Despite the increasing number of cases, only 17 of the 36 countries participating in the latest surveys currently have a national surveillance system for C. auris. Only 15 countries have developed detailed national guidelines for infection prevention and control. Laboratory capacity is relatively greater, with 29 countries reporting access to a reference or specialized laboratory for mycology, and 23 offering reference testing for hospitals.
Although the number of C. auris infections is clearly increasing , without systematic surveillance and mandatory reporting the true scale of the problem is likely underestimated.
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