1720. Isolation and Characterization of Candida auris From an Active Surveillance System in Texas

BACKGROUND: Candida auris is an emerging new multi-drug-resistant fungal pathogen spreading globally. C. auris is associated with outbreaks due to the bloodstream, ear, and wound infections with a high mortality rate (30 to 60%). As part of our multi-pathogen surveillance system, we began screening for C. auris to understand the ecology, sources, and epidemiology of this important pathogen from leftover stool samples collected from hospitalized patients. METHODS: Four hundred and seventeen stool samples were collected, enriched in brain heart infusion broth for 2–3 days at 37°C, and sub-cultured onto selective Candida agar plates. Agar plates were incubated at 37°C for another 2–3 days and suspected Candida colonies were stocked for DNA extraction, PCR identification, and whole-genome sequencing. PCR amplicons were sequenced to confirm the identification C. auris. Enrichment samples were also screened by PCR to directly detect C. auris. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of various anti-fungal drugs was determined by the micro-dilution method using a commercial MIC plate (Sensititre “YeastOne”). RESULTS: Three C. auris samples were identified by PCR (0.7%; 3/417) of which one was able to be cultured. The isolated strain was resistant to fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, and caspofungin. WGS data analysis demonstrates our isolate has high similarity with the Pakistani strains. CONCLUSION: We have detected C. auris from stool samples of hospitalized patients in Texas for the first time. WGS data indicate our isolate has high similarity with South Asian patient strains. Long-term surveillance of C. auris is essential to understand the infection or colonization sources and epidemiology of this newly emerging fungal pathogen. DISCLOSURES: All authors: No reported disclosures.