DESAFIOS DE SAÚDE GLOBAL: Candida auris E A EMERGÊNCIA DO SUPERFUNGO
DESAFIOS DE SAÚDE GLOBAL: Candida auris E A EMERGÊNCIA DO SUPERFUNGO
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.9472419116
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Palavras-chave: Infecções fúngicas, Resistência a antifúngicos, Saúde pública e Virulência.
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Keywords: Fungal infections, Antifungal resistance, Public health and Virulence.
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Abstract: Candida auris, an emerging fungus known for its resistance to multiple antifungals and its ability to cause severe invasive infections. This superfungus, first identified in Japan in 2009, has emerged as a significant threat due to its high mortality rate and resistance to conventional treatments. Candida auris has characteristics that differentiate it from other species of the Candida genus, including its ability to colonize the skin and form resistant biofilms, which makes it difficult to eliminate in hospital settings. It reproduces by budding, and the yeast can manifest itself in different morphological forms. In addition, this species has remarkable resistance to high temperatures and high salt concentrations, increasing its persistence on inorganic surfaces. The fungus is known to be resistant to several classes of antifungals, such as azoles, amphotericin B, and echinocandins. These resistance mechanisms include genetic mutations that affect the production of essential enzymes and the presence of efflux pumps that remove drugs from inside cells. Resistance to treatments is one of the biggest obstacles in combating this infection. The global spread of Candida auris is facilitated by its ability to survive in different regions of the human body and on hospital surfaces, making it a continuous source of infection, especially in patients with prolonged hospitalizations and those using invasive medical devices. The species has already been identified in hospitals on several continents, which highlights the need for constant surveillance. Continued research is essential to better understand the mechanisms of virulence, resistance and transmission of C. auris, aiming to develop effective strategies to prevent and control infections and minimize its impact on global public health.
- Maraiza Gregorio de Oliveira
- Marcos Aurélio Figueirêdo dos Santos
- José Weverton Almeida Bezerra
- Luciene Ferreira de Lima
- Ademar Maia Filho
- Lariza Leisla Leandro Nascimento
- Cícero Anthonyelson Teixeira Dunes
- Damiana Gonçalves de Sousa Freitas
- Francisca de Fátima Silva de Sousa
- Maria do Socorro Costa
- Murilo Felipe Felício
- Yedda Maria Lobo Soares de Matos