Article
Immunology
Travis K. Price, Ruel Mirasol, Kevin W. Ward, Ayrton J. Dayo, Evann E. Hilt, Sukantha Chandrasekaran, Omai B. Garner, Annabelle de St Maurice, Shangxin Yang
Summary: The text discusses an ongoing outbreak of Candida auris that started in October 2019 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Genomic analysis showed that isolates from 5 out of 6 patients belonged to clade III, with 4 isolates being closely related.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Maria Luisa Cristina, Anna Maria Spagnolo, Marina Sartini, Alessio Carbone, Martino Oliva, Elisa Schinca, Silvia Boni, Emanuele Pontali
Summary: Candida auris is a major concern in critical care medicine due to its increasing prevalence among immunocompromised patients. This pathogen is difficult to treat and can persist in healthcare environments, leading to prolonged outbreaks.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Annabelle de St Maurice, Urvashi Parti, Victoria E. Anikst, Thomas Harper, Ruel Mirasol, Ayrton J. Dayo, Omai B. Garner, Kavitha K. Prabaker, Shangxin Yang
Summary: This study demonstrates the establishment of a robust Candida auris surveillance program using both active and passive surveillance, involving multidisciplinary efforts from the microbiology laboratory and the hospital epidemiology team. In Los Angeles County, C. auris strains are highly related, and echinocandins should be used for empiric therapy.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katherine R. M. Mackey, Stephanie Stragier, Laura Robledo, Linh Anh Cat, Xiaomei Xu, Scott Capps, Kathleen K. Treseder, Claudia Czimczik, Celia Faiola
Summary: The study focused on determining the nitrogen content of PM2.5 collected in Southern California and analyzing the nitrogen and carbon content in summer and winter. Results showed that summer PM2.5 had higher nitrogen content from anthropogenic sources, while winter PM2.5 had lower nitrogen content and a greater terrestrial signal.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Domenica G. De Luca, David C. Alexander, Tanis C. Dingle, Philippe J. Dufresne, Linda M. Hoang, Julianne Kus, Ilan S. Schwartz, Michael R. Mulvey, Amrita Bharat
Summary: Candida auris, an emerging yeast associated with antifungal resistance and healthcare outbreaks, caused 24 known cases of colonization or infection in Canada from 2012 to 2019. Canadian isolates belonged to the four main genomic clades, with clonal isolates within each clade. Whole genome sequencing is helpful in identifying clusters within healthcare facilities for controlling transmission of C. auris.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Camilla Sticchi, Roberto Raso, Lorenza Ferrara, Elena Vecchi, Loredana Ferrero, Daniela Filippi, Giuseppe Finotto, Elena Frassinelli, Carlo Silvestre, Susanna Zozzoli, Simone Ambretti, Giuseppe Diegoli, Carlo Gagliotti, Maria Luisa Moro, Enrico Ricchizzi, Fabio Tumietto, Francesca Russo, Michele Tonon, Francesco Maraglino, Giovanni Rezza, Michela Sabbatucci
Summary: Candida auris was first detected in Italy in July 2019, with one additional case reported in January 2020. Nine months later, a large number of cases were reported in northern Italy. A total of 361 cases were detected between July 2019 and December 2022 in various regions of Italy, with 146 deaths. The majority of cases were considered to be colonization, and only one had a history of travel abroad. Most isolates showed resistance to fluconazole.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tim A. Bruckner, Daniel M. Parker, Scott M. Bartell, Veronica M. Vieira, Saahir Khan, Andrew Noymer, Emily Drum, Bruce Albala, Matthew Zahn, Bernadette Boden-Albala
Summary: Clinic-based estimates may underestimate total SARS-CoV-2 infections due to variability in testing access and symptoms. The study aimed to provide a minimally biased estimate of seroprevalence by recruiting adults for testing. Results showed a seroprevalence of around 12%, higher among Hispanics and those with lower household income. The study used a specific and sensitive microarray technology, revealing a significantly higher prevalence compared to official statistics.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kristina Babler, Mark Sharkey, Sebastian Arenas, Ayaaz Amirali, Cynthia Beaver, Samuel Comerford, Kenneth Goodman, George Grills, Michelle Holung, Erin Kobetz, Jennifer Laine, Walter Lamar, Christopher Mason, Darryl Pronty, Brian Reding, Stephan Schurer, Natasha Schaefer Solle, Mario Stevenson, Dusica Vidovic, Helena Solo-Gabriele, Bhavarth Shukla
Summary: The objective of this study was to extend the workflows developed for SARS-CoV-2 quantification to evaluate the recovery of Candida auris from wastewater. Results showed that C. auris can be cultured from wastewater, with higher levels detected in hospital wastewater.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Veronica Vieira, Ian W. Tang, Scott Bartell, Matthew Zahn, Marion Joseph Fedoruk
Summary: In October 2020, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among firefighters in Orange County was 5.3%, with participation rate of 92.2% among 923 OCFA personnel tested. Among firefighters, 37% who self-reported a previous positive COVID-19 test did not test positive for IgG antibodies in the current survey. Work city was a significant predictor of case status.
OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Laura S. Burrack, Robert T. Todd, Natthapon Soisangwan, Nathan P. Wiederhold, Anna Selmecki
Summary: Antifungal drug resistance and tolerance are a serious threat to global public health. This study investigated the evolution of drug resistance in Candida auris and found rapid acquisition of resistance mutations and the stability of resistance in the absence of drugs. The genetic background of clinical isolates was also found to affect the evolutionary potential and acquisition of resistance. These findings highlight the high stability and high rates of acquisition of antifungal resistance in C. auris, which can lead to the evolution of pan-resistant isolates in clinical settings.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Courtney J. Kitch, Amanda M. Tabb, Grace E. Marquis, Rosalee S. Hellberg
Summary: Ready-to-eat seafood products are popular globally but are susceptible to species substitution and mislabeling. A study was conducted in Orange County, CA to investigate the mislabeling of sushi, poke, and ceviche dishes. DNA barcoding identified species substitution in 23.3% of samples and unacceptable market names in 45.6% of samples. Ceviche had the highest mislabeling rate at 85.3%, followed by poke at 61.8%, and sushi at 42.9%. The study highlights the need for proper labeling and further research in the seafood supply chain.
Article
Microbiology
YanChun Zhu, Kelli M. Hager, Swati R. Manjari, Nilesh K. Banavali, Vishnu Chaturvedi, Sudha Chaturvedi
Summary: Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant yeast pathogen causing global outbreaks in health care facilities, and the emergence of echinocandin-resistant strain is concerning. The currently used antifungal susceptibility tests are slow and not scalable, limiting their effectiveness in surveillance. The development of a TaqMan chemistry probe-based fluorescence melt curve analysis allows for rapid and accurate detection of FKS1 mutations conferring echinocandin resistance, providing a potential solution to the urgent need for assessment of resistance.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ahmad Ibrahim, Sophie Alexandra Baron, Hanane Yousfi, Linda Hadjadj, Rym Lalaoui, Serge Morand, Jean-Marc Rolain, Fadi Bittar
Summary: A new qPCR system has been developed to rapidly detect Candida auris, with high specificity and sensitivity. It is suitable for accurate identification of infections and tracing the source of the pathogen. The system has been confirmed to have 100% specificity on various samples and bacterial species.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Junqian Zhang, Nicolette Andrzejczyk, Danny Tang, Ken Sakamoto, Jeff Armstrong, Daniel Schlenk
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of changes in the wastewater treatment process at the Orange County Sanitation District on biota in the receiving water over the past 18 years. During a period of high chlorine usage, impacts to the infauna community within the ZID were observed, but the community rapidly recovered after the implementation of full secondary treatment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Genevieve Bergeron, Danielle Bloch, Kenya Murray, Molly Kratz, Hilary Parton, Joel Ackelsberg, Mike Antwi, Paula Del Rosso, Marie Dorsinville, Hannah Kubinson, Maura Lash, Sophie Rand, Eleanor Adams, Yanchun Zhu, Richard Erazo, Sudha Chaturvedi, Don Weiss
Summary: A case management pilot program was designed for New York City residents with Candida auris, where the majority of patients no longer tested positive for C auris after at least two colonization assessments.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
John Rossow, Belinda Ostrowsky, Eleanor Adams, Jane Greenko, Robert McDonald, Snigdha Vallabhaneni, Kaitlin Forsberg, Stephen Perez, Todd Lucas, Karen A. Alroy, Kara Jacobs Slifka, Maroya Walters, Brendan R. Jackson, Monica Quinn, Sudha Chaturvedi, Debra Blog
Summary: The study investigated factors associated with C. auris colonization in ventilator-capable skilled nursing facilities in New York State. Results showed that being on a ventilator, receiving carbapenem antibiotics, having recent acute care hospital visits, and receiving systemic fluconazole were associated with C. auris colonization. Targeted screening for patients with these risk factors can help identify colonized patients and implement infection control measures, while antimicrobial stewardship may play an important role in preventing C. auris colonization.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
D. Joseph Sexton, Meghan L. Bentz, Rory M. Welsh, Gordana Derado, William Furin, Laura J. Rose, Judith Noble-Wang, Massimo Pacilli, Tristan D. McPherson, Stephanie Black, Sarah K. Kemble, Owen Herzegh, Ausaf Ahmad, Kaitlin Forsberg, Brendan Jackson, Anastasia P. Litvintseva
Summary: This study found that Candida auris can spread in healthcare facilities, with colonized residents potentially carrying a high burden on their skin that is positively associated with contamination of the surrounding environment. Emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene, transmission-based precautions, and environmental disinfection is crucial in preventing the spread of Candida auris in healthcare settings.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Jenna R. Gettings, Jeremy A. W. Gold, Anne Kimball, Kaitlin Forsberg, Colleen Scott, Anna Uehara, Suxiang Tong, Marisa Hast, Megan R. Swanson, Elana Morris, Emeka Oraka, Olivia Almendares, Ebony S. Thomas, Lemlem Mehari, Jazmyn McCloud, Gurleen Roberts, Deanna Crosby, Abirami Balajee, Eleanor Burnett, Rebecca J. Chancey, Peter Cook, Morgane Donadel, Catherine Espinosa, Mary E. Evans, Katherine E. Fleming-Dutra, Catalina Forero, Esther A. Kukielka, Yan Li, Paula L. Marcet, Kiren Mitruka, Jasmine Y. Nakayama, Yoshinori Nakazawa, Michelle O'Hegarty, Caroline Pratt, Marion E. Rice, Roxana M. Rodriguez Stewart, Raquel Sabogal, Emanny Sanchez, Andres Velasco-Villa, Mark K. Weng, Jing Zhang, Grant Rivera, Tonia Parrott, Rachel Franklin, Janet Memark, Cherie Drenzek, Aron J. Hall, Hannah L. Kirking, Jacqueline E. Tate, Snigdha Vallabhaneni
Summary: This study assessed the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a Georgia school district. The results showed that indoor sports activities, staff meetings/lunches, and elementary school classrooms were high-risk environments for transmission, and staff members and symptomatic index cases were more likely to cause transmission. Preventing staff infections and conducting contact tracing are critical to reducing in-school transmission.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Rory M. Welsh, Elizabeth Misas, Kaitlin Forsberg, Meghan Lyman, Nancy A. Chow
Summary: By establishing an empirical outbreak benchmark dataset consisting of 23 Candida auris genomes, comparisons of genomic analyses can be validated and communication among surveillance networks can be facilitated. This benchmark dataset demonstrates a polyclonal phylogeny structure, showcasing the diversity of Candida auris genomes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diana M. Proctor, Thelma Dangana, D. Joseph Sexton, Christine Fukuda, Rachel D. Yelin, Mary Stanley, Pamela B. Bell, Sangeetha Baskaran, Clay Deming, Qiong Chen, Sean Conlan, Morgan Park, Rory M. Welsh, Snigdha Vallabhaneni, Tom Chiller, Kaitlin Forsberg, Stephanie R. Black, Massimo Pacilli, Heidi H. Kong, Michael Y. Lin, Michael E. Schoeny, Anastasia P. Litvintseva, Julia A. Segre, Mary K. Hayden
Summary: Longitudinal skin sampling in a skilled nursing facility revealed persistent niches of Candida auris, highlighting the importance of universal strategies to reduce its transmission. High concentrations of CHG were associated with suppressing C. auris growth without perturbing commensal microbes, providing insights into skin fungal community alterations as modifiable risk factors for C. auris acquisition and persistence. Failure to detect the extensive, disparate niches of C. auris colonization may reduce the effectiveness of infection-prevention measures, emphasizing the need for broader approaches.
Article
Virology
Grace W. Goryoka, Caitlin M. Cossaboom, Radhika Gharpure, Patrick Dawson, Cassandra Tansey, John Rossow, Victoria Mrotz, Jane Rooney, Mia Torchetti, Christina M. Loiacono, Mary L. Killian, Melinda Jenkins-Moore, Ailam Lim, Keith Poulsen, Dan Christensen, Emma Sweet, Dallin Peterson, Anna L. Sangster, Erin L. Young, Kelly F. Oakeson, Dean Taylor, Amanda Price, Tair Kiphibane, Rachel Klos, Darlene Konkle, Sanjib Bhattacharyya, Trivikram Dasu, Victoria T. Chu, Nathaniel M. Lewis, Krista Queen, Jing Zhang, Anna Uehara, Elizabeth A. Dietrich, Suxiang Tong, Hannah L. Kirking, Jeffrey B. Doty, Laura S. Murrell, Jessica R. Spengler, Anne Straily, Ryan Wallace, Casey Barton Behravesh
Summary: This study assessed SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets from households with COVID-19 patients, finding a small percentage of pets with detectable neutralizing antibodies, suggesting potential transmission from humans to pets.
Article
Infectious Diseases
A. Springer Browne, Hannah M. Cranford, Clint N. Morgan, James A. Ellison, Are Berentsen, Nicholas Wiese, Alexandra Medley, John Rossow, Leanne Jankelunas, Alan S. McKinley, Claudia D. Lombard, Nicole F. Angeli, Thomas Kelley, Jennifer Valiulus, Bethany Bradford, Valicia J. Burke-France, Cosme J. Harrison, Irene Guendel, Marissa Taylor, Gerard L. Blanchard, Jeffrey B. Doty, David J. Worthington, David Horner, Keith R. Garcia, Joseph Roth, Brett R. Ellis, Kristine M. Bisgard, Ryan Wallace, Esther M. Ellis
Summary: The study confirmed that mongoose populations in the US Virgin Islands are rabies-free and do not pose a risk of transmission to humans or animals. This is the first Caribbean state to achieve freedom-from-rabies for its mongoose populations through a scientifically-led study. Ongoing surveillance efforts will determine if other animal populations in the US Virgin Islands are also rabies-free.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Xin Huang, Rory M. Welsh, Clay Deming, Diana M. Proctor, Pamela J. Thomas, Gabrielle M. Gussin, Susan S. Huang, Heidi H. Kong, Meghan L. Bentz, Snigdha Vallabhaneni, Tom Chiller, Brendan R. Jackson, Kaitlin Forsberg, Sean Conlan, Anastasia P. Litvintseva, Julia A. Segre
Summary: Candida auris is a human fungal pathogen of high concern due to its extensive drug resistance and associated mortality rates. This study developed microbiome sequencing protocols directly from patient samples in health care facilities, characterizing skin mycobiomes and identifying distinct clades of C. auris colonizing facilities in New York and Illinois. Larger scale clinical studies are needed to investigate the effects of commensal microbes and patient risk factors on the colonization and transmission of C. auris.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kerui Xu, Lauren E. Finn, Robert L. Geist, Christopher Prestel, Heather Moulton-Meissner, Moon Kim, Bryna Stacey, Gillian A. McAllister, Paige Gable, Talar Kamali, Annabelle de St Maurice, Shangxin Yang, Kiran M. Perkins, Matthew B. Crist
Summary: This study investigated the causes of Mycobacterium chimaera infections among cardiothoracic surgery patients at two hospitals and found deviations in the positioning, maintenance, and cleaning protocols of the 3T heater-cooler devices (HCDs). Despite requests from the hospitals, most devices had not undergone the recommended upgrades. The findings highlight the importance of continued awareness of the risk of M. chimaera infections associated with 3T HCDs and the need for hospitals to adhere to FDA recommendations and manufacturer's protocols in identifying and managing patients with potential infections.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Maroya Spalding Walters, Christopher Prestel, Lucy Fike, Nijika Shrivastwa, Janet Glowicz, Isaac Benowitz, Sandra Bulens, Emily Curren, Hannah Dupont, Perrine Marcenac, Garrett Mahon, Anne Moorman, Abimbola Ogundimu, Lauren M. Weil, David Kuhar, Ronda Cochran, Melissa Schaefer, Kara Jacobs Slifka, Alexander Kallen, Joseph F. Perz
Summary: The TeleICAR strategy, based on telephone and video-based infection control assessment and response, efficiently assesses the preparedness of nursing homes and helps address gaps in infection prevention and control. This strategy identified widespread gaps in core infection prevention and control practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ansley Waters, Christina Chommanard, Sara Baltozer, Luisa Cortes Angel, Rehab Abdelfattah, Meghan Lyman, Kaitlin Forsberg, Elizabeth Misas, Anastasia P. Litvintseva, Virgie Fields, Sarah Lineberger, Shaina Bernard
Summary: This study reports on an outbreak investigation of Candida auris at a ventilator skilled nursing facility in Virginia. From October 2020 to June 2021, 28 cases were identified among residents in the ventilator unit. Genomic evidence indicated the introduction of multiple distinct C. auris strains to the facility. The study highlights the challenges in infection and prevention control and emphasizes the need to strengthen prevention efforts against multi-drug resistant organisms at ventilator skilled nursing facilities.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Meghan Lyman, Kaitlin Forsberg, D. Joseph Sexton, Nancy A. Chow, Shawn R. Lockhart, Brendan R. Jackson, Tom Chiller
Summary: The number of Candida auris cases in the United States has been increasing each year, with a significant rise in 2021. Echinocandin-resistant cases have also increased in 2021, which is concerning as echinocandins are the first-line therapy for C auris infections. These findings highlight the need for improved detection and infection control practices for preventing the spread of C auris.
ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Meghan Lyman, Kaitlin Forsberg, Jacqueline Reuben, Thi Dang, Rebecca Free, Emma E. Seagle, D. Joseph Sexton, Elizabeth Soda, Heather Jones, Daryl Hawkins, Adonna Anderson, Julie Bassett, Shawn R. Lockhart, Enyinnaya Merengwa, Preetha Iyengar, Brendan R. Jackson, Tom Chiller
MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT
(2021)
