Prevalence and Outcomes of Candida auris Infections in a Tertiary Hospital in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Background <i>Candida auris</i> (<i>C. auris</i>) is an emerging serious threat to healthcare settings, with an average mortality of 45% in cases of bloodstream infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of <i>C. auris</i> in a single center in the UAE during the year 2022 and understand risk factors related to poor outcomes. Methods This retrospective cohort chart review at Al-Qassimi Hospital encompassed all confirmed <i>Candida</i> infections, including <i>C. auris</i>, from January to December 2022. The study involved male and female patients aged 13 years and older, using comprehensive data extracted from the hospital's electronic healthcare records. The analysis included clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological data. Adhering to the 2011 Declaration of Helsinki and Good Pharmacoepidemiology Practices, the study received Institutional Review Board approval, with informed consent waived due to its retrospective design. Data were summarized using appropriate statistical methods, including the unpaired t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test, and Fisher exact test. A significance level of 95% (p<0.05) was maintained throughout the statistical analyses. Results Of the 75 confirmed <i>Candida</i>infections, 53 (70.7%) were <i>C. auris</i>-positive cases. About 23 (43.4%) of the <i>C. auris</i> group were above 65 years old. Most cases of <i>C. auris</i> group were hospital-acquired (49, 92.5%). The highest number of positive cases were found in urine samples. The demographic and clinical profiles of the <i>C. auris</i> and non-<i>auris</i> groups candidemia were largely similar, except for differences in antifungal use history and ICU requirements. Notably, the <i>C. auris</i> group had a significantly lower history of antifungal use and a lower ICU requirement compared to the non<i>-auris</i> group. The study also highlighted the higher mortality rate associated with candidemia. While mortality was higher in the non-<i>auris</i> group, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions The findings of the study suggest that while <i>C. auris</i> poses a serious threat, particularly in hospital settings; the clinical and demographic factors influencing its spread and impact are complex and warrant further investigation. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent and manage <i>C. auris</i> infections, particularly in vulnerable patient populations.