Analysis of an expanded admission screening protocol for Candida auris at a New York City hospital

Aaron Cheng, Karen Brody, Jordan Ehni, Zachary Gallate, Scott Lorin, Bernard Camins, Waleed Javaid

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Candida auris (C auris) is an emerging global infectious disease threat, and screening practices for identification of C auris are inconsistent across healthcare facilities. This study describes the utility of expanding a C auris admission screening protocol at an acute care hospital to screen all patients presenting from any skilled nursing facility. Methods: A retrospective review identified all patients screened on admission for C auris from January 2022 through September 2023. Patients were identified for risk potential, and those deemed high risk were placed on transmission-based precautions while awaiting culture results. Results: Of the 591 patients screened, 14 cases were identified (2.4%). Nine cases presented with tracheostomies or were ventilator-dependent and classified as high risk. Five cases were considered low risk at the time of screening. Eight of these newly identified cases would not be screened under the prior criteria. Discussion: This study's findings support prior studies that patients with tracheostomies or were ventilator-dependent have greater risk for C auris colonization. Adopting an expanded admission screening program has allowed the hospital to detect more cases earlier to prevent nosocomial transmissions. Conclusions: Healthcare facilities should consider initiating or expanding admission screening programs for C auris based on community prevalence rates of C auris.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)70-74
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control
Volume53
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2025

Keywords

  • Colonization
  • Emerging Diseases
  • Implementation Science
  • Screening
  • Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Surveillance

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