The Administration of the International Higher School of Medicine (IHSM) congratulates Ph.D. (Medicine), Lecturer, Dr. Prakash Hariprasath, Issyk-Kul regional campus of the IHSM,  on publishing his scientific article “Prevalence, Risk Factors, Treatment and Outcome of multidrug resistance Candida auris  Infections in Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Patients: A Systematic Review” at a  reputed international journal - Mycoses: Diagnosis, Therapy and Prophylaxis of Fungal Diseases, which  is a monthly peer-reviewed medical journal covering mycology.

◾ Abstract

Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen in intensive care settings (ICU). During the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, ICU admissions were  overwhelmed, possibly contributing to the C. auris outbreak in COVID-19 patients. 

◾ Objectives

The present systematic review addresses the prevalence, underlying diseases,  iatrogenic risk factors, treatment and outcome of C. auris infections in COVID-19 patients.
 
◾ Results

 A total of 97 cases of C. auris were identified in COVID-19 patients. The prevalence of  C. auris infections in COVID-19 patients was 14%. The major underlying diseases were diabetes mellitus (42.7%), hypertension (32.9%), and obesity (14.6%), followed by the iatrogenic risk factors such as a central venous catheter (76.8%%) intensive care unit (ICU) stay (75.6%), and broad-spectrum antibiotic usage (74.3%). There were no significant differences in underlying disease and iatrogenic risk factors among C. auris non-candidemia/colonisation and C. auris  candidemia cases. The mortality rate of the total cohort is 44.4%, whereas, in C. auris candidemia patients, the mortality was 64.7%. 
 
◾ Conclusion

This study shows that the prevalence of C. auris infections remains unchanged in the  COVID-19 pandemic. Hospital-acquired risk factors may contribute to the clinical illness. Proper infection control practices and hospital surveillance may stop future hospital outbreaks during the pandemic.

We are pleased to see Dr. Prakash Hariprasath  accomplishing great achievements and wish more scientific successes. 

The article can be found via link.