Cleaning and Other Infection Control Measures Stop Spread of Hospital Superbug

The superbug Candida auris (C. auris) is a fungus that is resistant to most antibiotics and causes a human infection with a mortality rate of 30% to 60%. It was first detected in Japan around 2009 and soon spread to over 40 countries.

A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control, found that C. auris spread was stopped at a hospital in Vancouver, Canada, with the implementation of stringent infection prevention and control measures, Infection Control Today reports.

Investigators with the University of British Columbia studied the August 2017 C. auris outbreak in a Vancouver area community hospital—the first outbreak of this superbug in Canada—and the infection control measures that were implemented to contain it. Hospital leaders educated staff on proper infection control protocols including thorough cleaning and disinfection of patient rooms, common areas, and high-touch surfaces. They also stressed hand hygiene among all staff.

Surveillance quickly identified any patients who had contracted the superbug, and those patients were placed in isolation. These measures effectively contained the outbreak, and it was declared over within two months.

The study investigators noted that C. auris is a growing threat and health care facilities need detailed guidelines to help them combat the fungus. “Our experience demonstrates that timely detection of the organism and rapid implementation of infection control measures are capable of limiting transmission; however, there are currently few guidelines to advise on strategies for effective admission screening protocols,” the researchers wrote.