Contamination by handshaking – European experts worried: Dangerous fungus spreads extremely fast

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Keep your distance, shut your mouth and don’t just shake hands – this practice was part of everyday life during the corona pandemic. But now the rules seem to have been forgotten. Most people in Central Europe are happy to redo the greeting ritual and are busy spreading not only the corona virus but also a yeast called Candida Auris. In the US, this is already under strict control in many hospitals.

Problem: Candida Auris is drug resistant. Yeast was discovered about 15 years ago and is one of the most feared hospital germs in the world. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the fungus has spread “at an alarming rate” in U.S. healthcare facilities in recent years. In 2021, 1,500 cases were cured in the US. In Italy, too, the numbers are growing rapidly – recently the first death occurred there. The first case in Switzerland was recorded in 2018.

When the fungus enters the body, it can lead to infections

Candida yeasts often live on our skin without causing any problems or becoming dangerous. According to experts, in cases of skin contact such as handshaking, care should be taken to wash the hands regularly and, above all, not to neglect the fingertips.

However, Tina Joshi, Professor of Molecular Biology at the University of Plymouth (UK), told the BBC that once the fungus has entered the body, it can infect the bloodstream, nervous system and internal organs. This can lead to potentially life-threatening blood poisoning.

According to the CDC, transmission occurs through contaminated (hand) surfaces in hospitals. The immune system of patients in intensive care is already weakened. Therefore, they are also very susceptible to fungi.

Disinfectant is ineffective

Experts are particularly concerned about drug resistance. This makes the fungus extremely difficult to treat in the long run. Even disinfectants do not contain the fungus in some cases.

The CDC cite different reasons for the increased spread. Hospitals are often overwhelmed with the prevention of infections. On the other hand, the meters have gotten better – which means more cases are recorded. A political response is now necessary, says doctor Alexander Aldejohann of the Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology in Würzburg (Germany). He tells ZDF: “Now there is still time to impose a reporting requirement, we must not let this opportunity pass.”

The BBC cites global warming as the cause of the spread of yeast. The fungus can survive better in a warmer environment. As temperatures rose worldwide, Candida Auris had to adapt to higher temperatures. (A)

Source : Blick