Genomic epidemiology of Candida auris introduction and outbreaks in the United Kingdom
File(s)Kappel_etal_rebuttal2_clean.docx (105.64 KB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Rhodes, Johanna
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Candida auris is a globally emerged fungal pathogen causing nosocomial invasive infections. Here, we use cutting-edge genomic approaches to elucidate the temporal and geographic epidemiology of drug-resistant C. auris within the UK. We analysed a representative sample of over 200 isolates from multiple UK hospitals to assess the number and timings of C. auris introductions, and infer subsequent patterns of inter- and intra-hospital transmission of azole drug resistant isolates. We identify at least one introduction from Clade I and two from Clade III into the UK, and observe temporal and geographical evidence for multiple transmission events of antifungal drug resistant isolates between hospitals and identified local within-hospital patient-to-patient transmission events. Our study confirms outbreaks of drug resistant C. auris are linked and that transmission amongst patients occurs, explaining local hospital outbreaks, and demonstrating a need for improved epidemiological surveillance of C. auris to protect patients and healthcare services.
Date Acceptance
2024-08-28
Citation
npj Antimicrobials and Resistance
ISSN
2731-8745
Publisher
Springer Nature
Journal / Book Title
npj Antimicrobials and Resistance
Copyright Statement
Subject to copyright. This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the Version of Record (VoR) will be available on immediate open access.
License URL
Publication Status
Accepted
Rights Embargo Date
10000-01-01