Significant and resistant organisms

Candida auris (C. auris) infection prevention and control

What to know

Candida auris (C. auris) is a fungus that can cause invasive infections. Many strains are resistant to multiple antifungal medicines, and it can survive for long periods in the healthcare environment. It presents a heightened risk in high‑acuity healthcare settings caring for immunocompromised patients, including intensive care, neonatal and cancer care units.

C. auris has been detected in healthcare settings worldwide and is emerging in Australia. To date, most Australian cases have been identified in people who received hospital care overseas within the previous 12 months. For best‑practice management and prevention of C. auris infection, colonisation and environmental cleaning, refer to Queensland Health’s Candida auris (C. auris) – Infection Prevention and Control guideline (PDF 430 kB).

About this guideline

The Candida auris (C. auris) – Infection Prevention and Control guideline (PDF 430 kB) provides the key infection prevention and control practice points for the screening and management of C. auris.

Implementation

The following resource has been developed to assist with implementing the guideline locally.

Candida auris screening and collection instructions (PDF 308 kB)

Information for consumers

Candida auris Consumer Guide (PDF 194 kB)

Evidence statement

The content on this page is informed by the Guideline document Candida auris (C. auris) – Infection Prevention and Control guideline (PDF 430 kB). As such, it is not directly referenced for ease of reading. Detail on the evidence base and key recommendations can be found in the Guideline document, which is fully referenced Candida auris (C. auris) – Infection Prevention and Control guideline (PDF 430 kB).