Outbreak of Candidozyma auris: a challenge for the infection control team

Between March 15 and April 5, 2025, an outbreak of Candidozyma auris, a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen, was detected in the intensive care unit of a tertiary care center in Thiruvananthapuram, India. Five patients were affected—three with bloodstream infections and two with asymptomatic colonization. Interventions included patient screening, cohorting, enhanced hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and disinfection of shared equipment. C. auris was identified using MALDI-TOF, but antifungal susceptibility testing could not be performed. The probable index case was a colonized patient with prolonged fluconazole exposure. Lapses in hand hygiene were the likely mode of transmission; environmental cultures were negative. No new cases occurred two months after implementation of infection control measures. The outbreak highlights the need for early species-level identification of non-albicans Candida, improved laboratory capacity, regular staff training, and strict infection control practices. It underscores the importance of preparedness and rapid response to fungal threats in critical care settings.