Susceptibility of Candida auris and Candida albicans to 21 germicides used in healthcare facilities

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2019 Mar;40(3):380-382. doi: 10.1017/ice.2019.1. Epub 2019 Feb 15.

Abstract

Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen that is often resistant to major classes of antifungal drugs. It is considered a serious global health threat because it can cause severe infections with frequent mortality in more than a dozen countries. It can survive on healthcare environmental surfaces for at least 7 days and can cause outbreaks in healthcare facilities. Clearly, infection prevention strategies, such as surface disinfection, will be essential to controlling Candida transmission. Unfortunately, data on the activity of antiseptics and disinfectants used in healthcare to inactivate this pathogen are limited.1-5 In this study, we investigated 12 different disinfectants (ie, 8 low- and intermediate-level disinfectants in 2 dilutions of sodium hypochlorite and 5 high-level disinfectants/chemical sterilants) and 9 antiseptics commonly used in healthcare facilities for their antimicrobial activity against C. auris and C. albicans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Candida
  • Candida albicans
  • Candidiasis / prevention & control*
  • Candidiasis / transmission
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Cross Infection / transmission
  • Disease Outbreaks / prevention & control*
  • Disinfectants
  • Disinfection
  • Health Facilities
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Disinfectants