Global emergence and rapid spread of Candidozyma auris (syn. Candida auris ): epidemiology, biology, and antifungal resistance

SUMMARYThe emerging fungal pathogen Candidozyma auris (syn. Candida auris; C. auris) has attracted considerable attention from the scientific, clinical, and public health communities due to its multidrug resistance, environmental persistence, and high transmissibility. Since its first description in Japan in 2009, C. auris has spread rapidly worldwide, with a marked acceleration following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As of December 2025, 84,941 colonization or infection cases have been reported across 82 countries spanning 6 continents. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the biology and global epidemiology of C. auris. We first examine its taxonomy, proposed origins, and key biological, genetic, and phenotypic characteristics, with particular emphasis on factors underlying environmental persistence, transmission dynamics, antifungal resistance, and virulence. Drawing on published literature and publicly available surveillance data from national public health authorities worldwide, we provide an updated overview of the global epidemiological landscape and evolving transmission patterns of C. auris. Finally, we discuss potential strategies to mitigate the continued and escalating global spread of this emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen.