The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 7) following up on a case of Candida auris involving a resident of a residential care home for the elderly (RCHE), and reminded members of the public on the proper use of antimicrobials and maintaining personal hygiene against infection.
The patient is a 91-year-old woman with underlying illnesses who lives in an RCHE. She was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) on January 24 for her underlying illnesses. Candida auris was detected from the culture of her combined nasal, axilla and groin swabs taken on admission screening in PMH. The patient is now in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP have advised the RCHE to adopt necessary infection control measures. An investigation by the CHP is ongoing.
A spokesman for the CHP explained that Candida is a fungus commonly found in the natural environment, particularly in moist and warm environments. In humans, it is commonly found in body sites such as the oral cavity, the digestive tract, skin and the vagina. It is a common fungus living on or in the human body but can occasionally cause infections, especially in individuals with impaired immunity.
Among the different candida species, Candida auris is more drug-resistant. Infections vary from being mild to potentially life-threatening or fatal, depending on which part of the body is affected and the general health condition of the patient.
​The spokesman stressed that proper use of antimicrobials and maintaining personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene, are crucial to the prevention of emergence and cross-transmission of Candida auris.
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