CANDIDA AURIS: WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE MOST ENIGMATIC PATHOGEN OF THE 21ST CENTURY?

Candida auris is a new fungal pathogen whose clinical significance has dramatically increased within recent years. Major issues related to this species include its rapid global spread and high epidemic potential, resilience and persistence in the hospital environment favoured by its resistance against certain disinfectants, horizontal transmission; possibility of persistent colonization, challenging laboratory identification based on conventional biochemical methods, multidrug resistance as well as the need for implementation of restrictive and expensive prevention and control measures. This review raises the above mentioned issues and compiles recent findings regarding this microorganism.