Consensus paper on Candida auris by Türkiye EKMUD, ID-IRI, THSK of Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, KLIMUD, TMC, TARD, and TYBD.

Abstract

Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen that has become a critical global health concern due to its high antifungal resistance and potential to cause nosocomial outbreaks. Since its initial identification in Japan in 2009, C. auris has spread rapidly, posing significant treatment challenges across various healthcare settings worldwide. The biofilm formation ability of C. auris enhances its resilience against disinfectants and antifungal agents, complicating infection control in healthcare environments. This consensus report was developed by a collaboration between several Turkish medical societies including the Turkish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialty (EKMUD), the Turkish Society of Anesthesiology and Reanimation (TARD), the Turkish Intensive Care Society (TYBD), the Infectious Diseases - International Research Initiative (ID-IRI), the Clinical Microbiology Specialist Society (KLIMUD), the Turkish Microbiology Society (TMC), and the Public Health Institution of Türkiye (PHIT) under the Ministry of Health. The report provides a comprehensive overview of C. auris and its management, with a focus on the epidemiology, antifungal resistance mechanisms, recommendations for diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, infection control and prevention measures, and surveillance of C. auris. This consensus report aims to establish standardized diagnostic protocols, improve national surveillance systems, and promote effective infection control measures to mitigate C. auris-related health risks in Türkiye. It also offers comprehensive national recommendations and addresses the need for interinstitutional collaboration, improve public health, and strengthen the healthcare response to this pathogen.