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. 2023 Sep;29(9):1913-1916.
doi: 10.3201/eid2909.230393.

High Prevalence of Candida auris Colonization during Protracted Neonatal Unit Outbreak, South Africa

Liliwe Shuping, Tsidiso G Maphanga, Serisha D Naicker, Ruth Mpembe, Nqobile Ngoma, Sithembiso Velaphi, Firdose Nakwa, Jeannette Wadula, Prenika Jaglal, Nelesh P Govender

High Prevalence of Candida auris Colonization during Protracted Neonatal Unit Outbreak, South Africa

Liliwe Shuping et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2023 Sep.

Abstract

One third of patients were colonized by Candida auris during a point-prevalence survey in a neonatal unit during an outbreak in South Africa. The sensitivity of a direct PCR for rapid colonization detection was 44% compared with culture. The infection incidence rate decreased by 85% after the survey and implementation of isolation/cohorting.

Keywords: Candida auris; South Africa; candidemia; colonization; fungal infections; fungi; neonatal unit; newborn; protracted outbreak.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Timeline of culture-confirmed Candida auris infection and colonization in neonatal unit, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa, June 1, 2019‒June 24, 2022. HCU, high care unit; KMC, kangaroo mother and child care; PPS, point-prevalence survey; TCU, transitional care unit.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Timeline of new cases and incidence rate of culture-confirmed Candida auris infection (n = 194) and colonization (n = 86) in neonatal unit, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa, June 1, 2019‒June 24, 2022. PPS, point-prevalence survey.
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