Abstract
Aotearoa New Zealand recently recorded its first case of Candida auris: a pathogen that is difficult to contain in healthcare settings. Since its first detection in 2009, cases of C. auris have become more widespread globally. In this Briefing we evaluate the risk of C. auris to New Zealanders and outline how best to control its spread.
Transmission of C. auris occurs mainly through contact with contaminated surfaces and medical equipment. Standard hospital-grade disinfectants are not effective at killing C. auris: instead, agents with sporicidal activity are needed. We recommend that rigorous screening and surveillance measures are reinforced to prevent C. auris spread in New Zealand.
Diagnostic microbiology laboratories should establish and validate methods for the screening of C. auris, including rapid identification of suspected isolates and pathways to ensure prompt susceptibility results are available. We recommend mandatory notification of confirmed C. auris cases to support control and epidemiological surveillance.