This Thursday, September 11, the ECDC (European Center for Disease Prevention and Control) published its fourth epidemiological survey on Candidozyma Auris (formerly Candida Auris) A fungus that threatens hospitals … and patients. And the observation is worrying.
A formidable enemy in hospitals
C. Auris is a pathogenic which is mainly attacking fragile or immunocompromised patients. Resistant to reference antifungals, it causes serious blood infections, but also otitis, urinary tract infections or even sores. In fact, C. Auris has a high mortality rate.
Above all, it has a formidable weapon: its ability to survive long on surfaces, medical equipment and in the hospital environment, making its elimination extremely difficult. In short, a wound for hospitals.
A leap to several European countries
However, in a decade, the report has more than 4,000 cases in the European Union, including 1,346 in 2023. An unprecedented leap which reflects the progressive implantation of the pathogen in the care structures.
Between 2013 and 2023, five countries – Spain, Greece, Italy, Romania and Germany – concentrate the majority of cases. But new homes appear, especially in France, where local transmissions are now reported.
“In just a few years, C. Auris has gone from isolated cases to wide dissemination in certain countries. This shows how fast it can be established in hospitals. But it is not inevitable: early detection and rapid and coordinated control can still limit its spread”warns Dr. Diamantis Plachouras, head at the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
A France, place to reinforced vigilance
For Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medicalthe alert is to be taken very seriously:
“Candida Auris is an emerging yeast, responsible for serious and multidness infections. In France, its incidence is progressing and several hospitals have already experienced epidemic episodes, with patient clusters. Its transmission is facilitated by transfers between services or establishments”he explains.
To stem the infection, the French health authorities have also set up reinforced monitoring. “”Any patient hospitalized abroad must be systematically screened upon his arrival in France, and any confirmed case leads to a report and mapping of contacts “, supports our expert.
Strict measures to contain the threat
This is why, faced with this risk, hospitals do not remain inactive. If you must be hospitalized, you will probably notice the deployment of a preventive arsenal which aims to avoid any nosocomial infection:
- Patient isolation in a single room;
- Compulsory Port of Blouse, Gloves and Hand hygiene reinforced for staff;
- In -depth daily cleaning with spor -duty products such as sodium hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide;
- Use of single use medical equipment or strict disinfection;
- Systematic screening for patients contacts.
Dr. Kierzek also recalls that patients can themselves help reduce the risk:
“Respecting hands hygiene, avoid manipulating medical equipment without authorization and reporting any history of hospitalization abroad are essential reflexes”.
A race against the watch on a European scale
While some countries manage to contain epidemics, the ECDC deplores heavy gaps: less than half of the Member States have a national surveillance system or specific directives. The European Agency therefore insists on the urgency of investing in detection, prevention and cooperation between hospitals.
The stake is clear: preventing C. Auris does not become a generalized threat, capable of further weakening health systems already under tension.