Drug-Resistant Fungus Spreads in European Hospitals

Drug-Resistant Fungus Spreads in European Hospitals
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A drug-resistant fungus is spreading rapidly in European hospitals, posing a “serious threat” to patients and healthcare systems, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The fungus, Candidozyma auris, is difficult to control because it can survive on surfaces and medical equipment and easily spread between patients.

A report by the Anadolu Agency states that the number of cases and the scale of outbreaks are increasing. Between 2013 and 2023, more than 4,000 cases were reported in EU/EEA countries, with a sharp increase to 1,346 cases in 2023 alone across 18 countries.

Spain, Greece, Italy, Romania, and Germany reported the majority of these cases. The ECDC also noted that a lack of systematic surveillance in many countries could be leading to an under-reporting of the problem.