Candida auris rates in blood culture on the rise: results of US surveillance

Candida auris is an emerging pathogen that poses a significant public health risk. Its multidrug resistance has led to high mortality, making rapid detection crucial for effective treatment and prevention of transmission. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate a substantial increase in C. auris cases in the United States, with a 95% rise in 2021. To provide an update on the detection rates of C. auris, we analyzed blood culture results from a near real-time cloud-based surveillance network, BioFire Trend. From January 2021 to April 2023, 34 C. auris detections were observed. The analysis showed a notable increase in detections in 2023 compared to previous years. The detection rate in 2023 was higher in all four US Census Regions, except for the Northeast, where it remained constant. The findings emphasize the continuous rise in C. auris cases and highlight the importance of near real-time surveillance systems in monitoring this emerging pathogen.