Candida auris: Eight Britons who died in UK hospitals were infected with Japanese super-fungus

Eight Britons were infected with a Japanese super fungus in UK hospitals
Shutterstock / Kateryna Kon
Rebecca Speare-Cole29 April 2019

Eight patients who died in British hospitals were infected with a deadly shapeshifting Japanese fungus, a Government health watchdog has revealed.

The shapeshifting fungus - Candida auris - was not recorded as the cause of death in any of the patients who were already seriously ill when they became infected.

However, the fungus was detected in each patient before they died and may have weakened them as they were treated for their original conditions.

The revelation by Public Health England (PHE) illustrates the threat that Candida auris may still pose after it emerged in Japanese hospitals a decade ago.

What is Candida auris?

Candida auris is a yeast-like super-fungus that emerged just 10 years ago in Japan.

It is equipped with biological armoury that allows it to flourish in hospitals.

The fungus is resistant to most drugs and disinfectants.

Candida auris is so dangerous because it is able to switch from single cells into disinfectant-resistant biofilms on plastic and other surfaces, as well as move with ease between patients.

The origins of Candida auris as a pathogen are a mystery but it was first detected in the ear of a Japanese women in 2009

Subsequent studies suggest it had existed for millennia in a harmless form before suddenly evolving the ability to attack humans.

Dr Colin Brown, Consultant Medical Microbiologist for Public Health England’s national infection service, said: “Candida auris is an uncommon fungus in the UK and our enhanced surveillance shows a low risk to patients in healthcare settings.

"Most cases detected have not shown symptoms or developed an infection as a result of the fungus.

"PHE is working closely with the NHS to provide expert support and advice on infection control measures to limit the spread of Candida auris.

"NHS hospitals that have experienced outbreaks of Candida auris have not found it to be the cause of death in any patients.”

PHE developed professional guidance in June 2016, and several measures have since been put in place.

These include raising awareness amongst healthcare professionals and providing support to local outbreak control teams.

The fungus was recorded in 226 cases at 25 NHS hospitals to date and there were six recorded infections since the start of 2018.

The fungus has been detected in at least 25 NHS trusts
PA

Around 50 more Britons have been infected by the microbe while in hospital but were successfully treated.

However, the yeast was found on the verge of entering through the skin for another 200 patients through wounds, catheters or other medical treatments.

David Denning, professor of infectious diseases at Manchester University, told The Times: “Candida auris is a shapeshifter.

“The normal cell is egg-shaped but it can also produce tubes called hyphae which invade tissue or it can form a biofilm where the cells are embedded in a protective matrix.

“It also loves salt, so it flourishes on the skin, [for instance in] the armpit and groin.”

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