Emergence of Candida auris in Vietnam: A 3-year retrospective study from 2023 to 2025 at the Department of Pulmonary Medicine of Cho Ray Hospital

Candida auris is an emerging, multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen associated with severe infections, nosocomial outbreaks, and high mortality rates. Although its global prevalence is increasing, epidemiological and clinical data from Vietnam remain limited. This study provides the first characterization of C auris infections in Vietnam, highlighting clinical features, antifungal susceptibility, and outcomes to address a critical knowledge gap and inform local practice. A retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Cho Ray Hospital, Vietnam, from January 2023 to July 2025. Adult patients (≥18 years) with confirmed C auris infection, identified from clinical specimens by MALDI-TOF MS, were included. Demographic, clinical, and microbiological data were extracted from medical records. Antifungal susceptibility was assessed using the ETEST method and interpreted according to the CDC breakpoints. Outcomes were defined as survival versus mortality at discharge. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 15.1, with significance set at P < .05. Twenty-two patients were identified, with a median age of 67 years and 77.3% male. Most (81.8%) required intensive care, and all had underlying lung disease with pneumonia. The overall survival rate was 59.1%. Mortality was significantly associated with parenteral nutrition, malnutrition, hypoalbuminemia, and vasopressor use (P < .05). Survivors more frequently exhibited co-isolation with non-auris Candida species (P < .05). Antifungal susceptibility testing showed that most isolates remained sensitive, with fluconazole susceptibility observed in 86.4% of cases. This study represents the first report of C auris infections in Vietnam, demonstrating its clinical burden in patients with severe respiratory illness. Early detection, appropriate antifungal therapy, and nutritional optimization appear crucial for improving outcomes. Routine surveillance and larger multicenter studies are warranted to guide infection control and evidence-based management of C auris in resource-limited settings.