(Reproduced with permission of the Wadsworth Center, NYSDOH)
GeneSpark DX – Candida auris
What is Candida auris?
Candida auris (C. auris) is an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast that was first described in Japan in 2009 and has since caused healthcare-associated outbreaks globally. This pathogen poses a significant threat given its antifungal resistance, the high mortality rate (estimated 30-60%), and rapid geographic spread over the last few years. The transmission of such a multi-drug resistant organism resembles the behavior of bacterial “superbugs,” making early identification and control especially important.
Issues with Current Technology:
The current methodology for processing samples relies on using enrichment and differential culture media to isolate C. auris from the complex microbial communities. This method takes up to 14 days, causing delayed notification of the facilities, which is of particular concern since the transfer or discharge of colonized patients can occur before the final-results are available.
GeneSpark's Solution:
GeneSpark's technology offers a highly novel approach to rapid detection of C. auris within one hour with high sensitivity, which can be especially helpful for admission screening. The GeneSpark DX– C. auris assay includes detecting of C. auris on skin swabs and environmental swabs for environmental surveillance. The high sensitivity, portability, and speed provided by the GeneSpark DX platform expects to facilitate a faster and more accurate diagnosis of C. auris, which is crucial to control its spread in hospitals and nursing homes, which have been identified as incubators for this superbug.