Candida auris is an emerging yeast causing potentially epidemic healthcare-related fungal infections.

Described for the first time in 2009 in Japan, this yeast has been identified in several countries throughout the world, in particular the United Kingdom, Spain, the United States and India, which have experienced significant epidemics. In France, as of July 2019, only six cases have been identified, most of which being colonisations.

This yeast is difficult to identify in laboratories with the methods usually used for the identification of Candida. It persists in the environment and is characterised by a decreased susceptibility to antifungals.

Invasive infections are associated with a high lethality rate, mainly attributable to the numerous comorbidities observed in infected or colonised patients.

The Haut Conseil de la santé publique (French High Council for Public Health) reminds of the definitions of C. auris infection or colonisation. It examines the indications and methods of screening as well as therapeutic management. It points out the measures to be implemented to control the spread of this yeast, which are similar to those recommended for emerging highly drug-resistant bacteria.

Any suspected or confirmed case should be reported internally and externally (e-reporting) and corresponding strains should be sent to the Centre National de référence (National Reference Centre) on Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals.