Understanding Candidozyma (Candida) auris: genomic evolution, antifungal resistance and the growing challenges in global infection control

<i>Candida auris</i> (recently renamed <i>Candidozyma auris</i>) is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen, first identified in Japan in 2009. <i>C. auris</i> exhibits remarkable persistence on human skin and inanimate surfaces, resistance to multiple antifungals, notably fluconazole, and biofilm formation, which hinders infection control and leads to hospital outbreaks with high mortality rates. Despite ongoing research, key aspects of its reservoir origin, transmission routes and the best way to combat its spread and multidrug resistance remain unclear. Improving genomic surveillance and antifungal strategies is crucial to contain its spread and mitigate the growing public health threat posed by this resilient and potentially fatal fungal pathogen.