Investigating strategies for control of Candidozyma auris biofilms on surfaces

BACKGROUND: Candidozyma auris (formerly Candida auris) is an emerging fungal pathogen which is highly transmissible in clinical settings, likely due to its ability to persist on skin and hard surfaces. METHODS: We investigated the biofilm-forming ability of three C. auris isolates on non-porous plastic surfaces and developed a relevant and repeatable laboratory model for evaluating decontamination interventions. FINDINGS: The isolate from clade I (South Asian) developed a robust biofilm under realistic environmental conditions, driving persistence of viable cells on dry surfaces up to 28 days, with reduced susceptibility to oxidising disinfectants. None the less, all clades displayed initial attachment to surfaces within 15 min. CONCLUSIONS: Results highlight the importance of robust environmental decontamination strategies, including frequency of cleaning during C. auris outbreaks, and the importance of evaluating disinfectants under realistic conditions regarding application and organism state (biofilm).