Candida auris

• Fungus - yeast (single cell and reproduces via budding or fission)
• First discovered in 2009 in Japan
• Nosocomial - infection acquired in hospitals or healthcare facilities
• 'colonization' - patients can have C. auris on their skin without having symptoms
• 30% to 60% mortality rate for invasive infections

• Founded 1903
• UW School of Medicine and Public Health
• rare for the state lab to be part of a university and not a state agency
• Hygiene -> Hygiea, the mythological Greek goddess of health, cleanliness and hygiene

• Clinical Testing
• Environmental Testing
• Occupational Health and Safety Services
• Forensic Toxicology
• Proficiency Testing

Why is Candida auris so deadly?

Blood stream infections (candidemia) typically occurs in patients already suffering from serious illnesses, making the disease more difficult to treat.