<i>Candida auris</i> : host interactions, antifungal drug resistance, and diagnostics

<b>SUMMARY</b>Invasive fungal infections affect approximately 6.5 million people every year. These infections are frequently associated with high mortality rates, often exceeding 50%, even with antifungal therapy. <i>Candida auris</i> is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that has a unique ability to grow and persist on human skin. Long-term skin colonization by <i>C. auris</i> is a significant medical concern because colonized patients may facilitate inter- and intra-hospital transmission of <i>C. auris</i> to other patients. Furthermore, <i>C. auris</i>-colonized patients are at risk of developing more serious systemic infections. The diagnosis of <i>C. auris</i> infections is often hampered by misidentification, leading to delays in starting appropriate antifungal therapy. Here, we summarize the global burden of candidiasis due to <i>C. auris</i>, antifungal drug resistance mechanisms, host and fungal factors affecting skin colonization, current diagnostic approaches, as well as current and future challenges to combat the spread of invasive fungal infections.