| Description | Candida auris is a thermophilic, yeast-like fungus characterized by globose to elongate cell shapes and arranged as pseudohyphae. This organism exhibits sporulating capabilities and is known for its multidrug-resistant properties, making it a significant concern in healthcare settings. As a chemoheterotroph, C. auris obtains energy through the consumption of organic substances, thriving in diverse habitats like soil, decaying organic matter, and, alarmingly, in various hospital environments where it can cause opportunistic infections. In terms of oxygen requirements, C. auris is classified as an aerobe or facultative anaerobe, allowing it to survive in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor conditions. This adaptability contributes to its resilience in clinical settings, facilitating its survival on surfaces and medical equipment. When subjected to Gram staining, C. auris typically yields an ambiguous result, often described as “Gram unknown.” This is attributed to its thick cell wall, which does not contain peptidoglycan, a characteristic typically associated with bacterial cell walls. Therefore, the Gram stain reaction in C. auris is more a result of the fungal cell wall's properties than a definitive classifier for its identity. C. auris poses significant challenges in infection control due to its rapid spread in healthcare facilities and its ability to remain undetected by standard laboratory assays. Notably, it has been associated with severe bloodstream infections with high mortality rates, especially in immunocompromised patients. The emergence of C. auris underscores the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance and highlights the need for improved diagnostic and preventive measures in clinical microbiology and public health. |
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