Candida auris: An Emerging Threat

Webinar Objectives:
At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the epidemiology of C. auris
2. Differentiate C. auris from other antimicrobial-resistant pathogens
3. Implement surveillance for C. auris into their infection control program
4. Select appropriate infection control measures to contain C. auris
5. Identify the subtleties around cleaning and disinfection for this pathogen

Webinar Overview:
A little over a decade after it was identified, Candida auris is a growing threat. It has spread to 6 of 7 continents and has been responsible for several deadly outbreaks. In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention listed C. auris as an urgent drug-resistant threat with a high mortality rate. Action is needed now to contain this rapidly emerging pathogen, including surveillance, laboratory identification, and infection control measures.

This webinar will provide a review of the scientific literature and evidence-based guidelines for controlling this novel pathogenic fungus, as well as provide key actions that facilities should be doing now.

Participants will learn about:

• The history and epidemiology of C. auris, a growing urgent and emerging antimicrobial-resistant threat
• The importance of surveillance, and why this pathogen is so difficult to identify by routine laboratory methods
• Lessons learned from outbreaks and how this pathogen spreads within a facility
• How to facilitate adherence to infection prevention and control measures to contain C. auris
• The nuances of cleaning & disinfection as it relates to this unique pathogen

Several resources will be provided that participants can add to the C. auris resource library.

The over-arching goal of this webinar is to bring attention to this urgent threat and inform healthcare facilities on actions they should be taking now.

Event Date/Time: May 13, 2021 at 1 p.m. EDT/10 a.m. PDT

Available in English and Spanish.