Candida auris: Scientists raise alarm as drug-resistant fungus with 50% death rate spreads across six continents

Scientists are warning that Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus with a 50% mortality rate, is spreading rapidly across six continents. First identified in 2009, Candida auris causes invasive bloodstream infections, particularly in hospital settings. The fungus is resistant to multiple antifungal drugs, making treatment extremely challenging. Recent studies, including one published in Nature Communications in December 2025, identified specific proteins in the fungus's cell walls that allow it to stick 'like glue' to surfaces, contributing to its persistence and spread in healthcare environments. The World Health Organization lists Candida auris as a priority fungal pathogen due to its high mortality, difficulty in identification, and resistance to standard antifungal treatments.