gossipify logo 1

Where does the “invulnerable candidiasis” come from: what is the danger of the candida auris fungus, which everyone is talking about

Candidiasis aureus has already been dubbed a new global threat: an outbreak of an unreactive yeast-like fungus is raging in US hospitals; European healthcare is preparing to take a hit any day now. Why is this infection dangerous?

Traces of candida auris were first found in 1996 in South Korea, and in 2009 in Tokyo the infection was proven in an elderly Japanese woman – the fungus lived in the ear of an old woman.

Since 2016, the active spread of the pathogen in US hospitals has been noticed; in 2018 it was recorded for the first time in Russia. In 2022 (WHO) ranked Candida auris as one of the 25 most dangerous pathogenic fungi for human health, including it in the group of four most dangerous (in addition to Candida aureus, the list includes Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans).

The infamous fungus, a close relative of Candida, which causes nasty but not deadly thrush, is a so-called opportunistic infection, meaning healthy people are immune to it. But those whose immunity is in poor condition (or which has not yet formed, as in newborns) are attacked.

ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUED BELOW

This is why hospital spaces have become a real paradise for this type of yeast-like fungi. Plus, it doesn’t spread in the traditional way – candida auris lives on surfaces and just waiting for the chance to latch onto a post-chemotherapy patient with diabetes, HIV, and other illnesses and conditions. that violate the immune barrier.

Death of a person infected with a fungus occurs in 30-60% of cases. The pathogen affects the central nervous system and internal organs, enters the bloodstream. But people don’t die because of candida, but because of the systemic disorders it causes in the body weakened by the underlying disease.

In an interview with Vechernyaya Moskva, infectious disease doctor Elena Meskina assured that the disease is not yet dangerous for Russia, because the variant that has spread to the United States has not “taken root”. in our country.

It is important that cases of infection of a large number of patients with candidiasis aureus have been recorded not only in the United States, but also in Venezuela, Great Britain and Spain – but it has not been easy for the health systems of these countries to admit that the increased mortality was caused by a dangerous fungus.

All the experts agree on one thing: the coronavirus epidemic has created an environment favorable to the triumph of candida auris. The incredibly widespread use of disinfectants (including fungicides) and antibiotics gave the fungus super strength: it mutated into a state of invulnerability. And this is the main danger – it is incredibly difficult to remove it from the surfaces of rooms, furniture, medical equipment. Also, candida auris “couriers” are healthy people who have come into contact with the fungus.

Symptoms of candidiasis aureus infection are rather vague: a person may feel very tired, complain of muscle aches and fever. With reduced immunity, these signs can easily be disguised as a common ailment.

Superinfections due to uncontrolled and excessive drug intake are a serious misfortune. A computer model commissioned by the British government has calculated that by 2050, 10 million people on Earth could die from these “invulnerable” diseases.

The numbers are average, and what can we do to change the situation? First of all, do not abuse any medication, and especially antibiotics, and do not self-medicate at all. Second, trust the scientists who are relentlessly researching ways to combat this insidious fungus. And third, pay attention to your own health and that of others, remembering that even a person who feels well can be dangerous for those whose immunity is not in order.

Source: The Voice Mag

You may also like

Hot News

TRENDING NEWS

SUBSCRIBE

Join our community of like-minded individuals and never miss out on important news and updates again.

follow us