Are we ready for the global emergence of multidrug-resistant Candida auris in Taiwan?

Po Liang Lu, Wei Lun Liu, Hsiu Jung Lo, Fu Der Wang, Wen Chien Ko, Po Ren Hsueh, Mao Wang Ho, Chun Eng Liu, Yen Hsu Chen, Yee Chun Chen, Yin Ching Chuang, Shan Chwen Chang

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Candida auris is a recently identified multi-resistant Candida species, first reported in Japan in 2009, and poses a serious global health threat. Lack of awareness of this new Candida species and difficulties with laboratory identification have impacted significantly on outbreak detection and management, and compromised patient outcome. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to raise awareness of healthcare personnel to this emerging pathogen and determine its prevalence, impact, and challenges to the Taiwan healthcare system. Enhanced laboratory testing strategies are needed to differentiate C. auris from other Candida species to provide accurate diagnosis and implement control measures early enough to prevent hospital outbreaks. In this report, we review the key epidemiological, microbiological and clinical characteristics of C. auris and provide the results of a multicenter surveillance study of C. auris in Taiwan. We also conducted a web-based survey to determine awareness of the medical community to C. auris and the capability of Taiwanese hospital laboratories to identify this microorganism. C. auris has not yet been isolated from humans in Taiwan, but the unique features of this microorganism and its ability to reach across international boundaries justify the importance of these initiatives in Taiwan.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)462-470
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of the Formosan Medical Association
Volume117
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018 Jun

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Medicine

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