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CANDIDOZYMA AURIS IS 'PARTICULARLY CONCERNING' DUE TO ITS 'REMARKABLE RESILIENCE' WHICH MEANS IT CAN SURVIVE ON SURFACES FOR A LONG TIME, SAID THE UK HEALTH SECURITY

AGENCY 19:21, 30 May 2025Updated 20:13, 30 May 2025 An urgent warning has been issued as a fungus described as a "threat to humanity" is now spreading across the UK. Candidozyma

(formerly Candida) auris (C. auris) was first identified in the external ear canal of a patient in Japan in 2009, but has since been found in more than 40 countries across six continents.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the fungus is "particularly concerning" because of its "remarkable resilience" which allows it to survive on surfaces for long

periods of time. The yeast species is often resistant to disinfectants and common antifungal drugs too. A person can contract it through a fungal infection into the blood, brain and spinal

cord, bones, abdomen, wounds, ears, respiratory tract, and urinary system. READ MORE: UK alert over killer fungus that's already infected millions People who already have existing

health issues are particularly at risk, as in extreme cases the fungus can be fatal in between 30% and 60% of patients, reports the Express. UKHSA said in a statement released yesterday:

"C. auris represents a growing global health concern, particularly in healthcare settings where it can spread rapidly and resist treatment and some disinfectants. "While not yet

widespread in England, it is important that we remain aware that C. auris may spread in hospital environments. Through effective infection prevention and control measures, rigorous hygiene

practices, ongoing monitoring and continued research, its spread can be minimised. Article continues below "C. auris primarily spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces or

medical equipment, or via direct contact with individuals who are colonised. People can carry the fungus on their skin without developing an infection (called colonisation). However, someone

who has C. auris on their skin may become infected if it enters their body, for example through a wound, or if they have had an invasive medical device inserted, for example a catheter or

drip." The World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed the fungus among 19 lethal fungi that pose a "serious threat to humanity" in a recent report. The health organisation

said fungal infections "receive very little attention and resources, leading to a scarcity of quality data on fungal disease distribution and antifungal resistance patterns." It

added: "As a result, the exact burden of fungal diseases and antifungal resistance, are unknown, and the response is therefore undermined." Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Assistant

Director-General, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), said: "Emerging from the shadows of the bacterial antimicrobial resistance pandemic, fungal infections are growing, and are ever more

resistant to treatments, becoming a public health concern worldwide." Earlier this month, a new climate change study warned that a deadly fungus that already infects millions of people

in warmer parts of the world could soon spread across Europe and reach the UK. The Aspergillus fungus - already a known threat in tropical and subtropical climates - causes serious brain

infections in humans, kills livestock, and renders crops unsafe to eat. Now, with global temperatures rising, researchers say its reach is expanding rapidly, and the UK could be next.

Viewers of The Last of Us might recognise the fictional version of this threat, but "the reality is already scary enough," said lead author Dr Norman van Rhijn from the University

of Manchester, speaking to Sky News. Dr van Rhijn warned that infections like invasive aspergillosis - which spreads from the lungs to other organs - currently kill 1.8million people

globally each year. “Most fungi live in the environment,” he said. “Because that environment is rapidly changing, we will definitely see different kinds of diseases and infections popping up

over the next 50 years or so.” Article continues below The new research shows that species such as Aspergillus fumigatus, flavus, and niger are set to move northward from their current

hotspots in Africa and South America, reaching parts of Europe, the UK, and even Scandinavia. In an optimistic climate scenario where warming is limited to around 2C, Aspergillus fungi would

still expand significantly - while likely retreating from southern Europe, which may become too hot even for these heat-loving pathogens.