In Brazil, cases of contamination by the microorganism have been confirmed that affect public health on a global scale
After the pandemic, when we see news to talk about microorganisms that cause infections, which are spreading and being reported simultaneously in various parts of the world, it is almost impossible to curb concern. Are we in danger? Will we have to isolate ourselves again? Will health collapse? It is true that the fungus candida auris, whose existence was first reported in Asia in 2009, has caused global turmoil. The cases have already been confirmed in Brazil, one of them in a premature baby, hospitalized in Campinas, in the hinterland of São Paulo. But there is (yet) no cause for widespread panic, and here the experts explain why.
According to pediatrician and infectious disease specialist Renato Kfouri, chair of the immunization department of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP), this family mushroom candidateas with mushrooms in general, it usually doesn’t cause serious illness in healthy people. “OR candida auris it is a yeast that normally grows on the skin. Thus, it lives in our armpits, nose, mouth, ear, groin, without major problems”, describes the specialist.
The microorganism becomes a threat when there is an opportunity – for example: due to compromised immunity or because it is a hospitalized person, manipulated with catheters, probes, ventilation tubes. “That is, if there is a gateway for this fungus to cause invasive contamination, by entering through the bloodstream,” the doctor explains. In these situations yes, the picture can become serious, with septicemia or generalized infection.
According to infectious disease specialist Marcelo Cordeiro, of Sabin Diagnostics and Health, contamination usually occurs inside hospitals, through the spread of the fungus through contact with surfaces or devices. “Transmission can possibly be done by healthcare workers, when they fail to practice hand hygiene or perform invasive procedures with the appropriate material, thus carrying the fungus from one patient to another,” he exemplifies.
“I am infections that can affect various parts of the body, but especially the bloodstream. If the fungus invades and proliferates, causing disease, it circulates in the bloodstream and can then reach various other organs, such as the eyes, kidneys, heart, and even bones. Therefore, this blood infection is what tends to lead to more serious situationsPossible symptoms include fever and chills – signs that the patient, being debilitated, may have experienced before. In view of this, the diagnosis should be made through laboratory examination.
Why the candida auris become a threat to global health?
If we all live with this type of fungus on our skin, why has the contamination attracted the attention of authorities and specialists in various corners of the planet, including Brazil? “Currently, we are faced with a variant of this candidate which offers a lot of resistance to the usual antifungals”Kfouri points out. So it was called “super mushroom”.
In addition to the “superbugs”, more resistant to known antibiotics, it is difficult to find drugs to combat these enhanced microorganisms. “Available antifungals are not very effective, which ends up leading to high lethality,” explains the infectious disease specialist. “But it is a nosocomial infection control problem. It’s not like yeast infections or other common diseases caused by fungi,” she points out.
Is there any reason to panic?
Not for the moment. Cordeiro reiterates that, so far, there are no indications that the fungus can leave the hospital environment and cause disease in people with adequate immunity, in the community. However, you need to maintain close vigilance and take preventive measures. “It is essential to have a laboratory structure in hospitals, which allows infections to be identified quickly. Otherwise, they can spread much faster”, he reiterates.
Medicine is serious business!
Like super mushrooms candida auris become more resistant to known drugs due to inappropriate use. Therefore, it is essential that people avoid self-medication and taking drugs unnecessarily.
“Based on the indiscriminate use of drugs, we often end up selecting the most resistant germs,” he points out. “So no self-medication and, if the doctor has prescribed a ten-day cure, do the ten days and don’t stop just because you’ve improved. Inappropriate, involuntary use and interruption of treatments are predisposing factors to the development of resistance, whether fungal, bacterial or even viral.“, says the expert.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
