Experts warn deadly fungus spreading across US can burrow into hair and turn skin into ‘perfect nest’
Doctors have issued a warning over the deadly fungus spreading across US states, as the CDC declares an 'urgent antimicrobial resistance threat'.
The 'explosive' diarrhea-causing parasite isn't the only outbreak surging across the US right now.
A 'superbug' has been detected across numerous states, which is known to rewire the immune system and transform human skin into what one doctor described as the 'perfect nest' for infection.
Candida auris is a type of fungus that can cause severe infections by entering the bloodstream and spreading throughout the body.
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However, some strains are resistant to all known antifungal medications, which is why the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has labeled the fungus outbreak an 'urgent antimicrobial resistance threat'.
The good news is that those with healthy immune systems rarely develop serious illness after being infected.
However, they may unknowingly be carrying the fungus, and pass it onto people who are more at risk.
One of the main problems with Candida auris is that it can survive silently on the skin for months, without causing any known symptoms.
Researchers believe it does this by changing the structure of its outer surface, exposing more of a molecule called chitin.
And this confuses nearby immune cells into launching the wrong type of defense.
As a result, the body's normal protection against fungal infections is weakened, damaged skin cells build up, and Candida auris is able to survive and multiply.
Dr. Suzanne Noble, a professor of microbiology at UCSF and co-senior author of the study, said: "Chitin is widespread in nature, so it’s not like the human skin never encounters it, but we were surprised to see that C. auris actively uses its chitin to turn the skin into a perfect nest."
The big challenge for scientists now, is that there is currently no reliable way to completely remove it from the skin.
What are the symptoms of Candida Auris?
While the Cleveland Clinic echoed the study in that people may carry silent symptoms, it outlined that some patients may suffer from:
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Lethargy (extreme tiredness).
- Low blood pressure.
- High heart rate (tachycardia).
- Low body temperature (hypothermia).
- Pain, pressure or feeling of fullness in your ear (C. auris ear infection).
How are Candida auris infections diagnosed?
The experts note that the fungal infection can be 'difficult' to diagnose, and can often be mistaken for other infections.
Tests a healthcare provider may carry out are:
- Blood.
- Urine.
- Stool.
- Fluid or tissue from a wound.
- A swab from your groin, armpits, ears, vagina or rectum.
Which states have been most affected?
Texas has reported the most cases of the fungal infection this year, totalling 715, followed by Michigan with 518, and Illinois with more than 350, according to data published by the CDC.
Mia Williams