Ultraviolet-C mediated inactivation of Candida auris, a rapid emerging health threat

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), particularly those caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), pose significant challenges to patient safety. Candida auris (C. auris), an emerging MDRO fungus, has been acknowledged as an urgent threat by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) due to its high mortality and difficulty in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of 254 nm ultraviolet-C light (UV-C) in inactivating C. auris on hard surfaces. A mobile UV-C tower equipped with high-performance bulbs was used, and within 7 minutes of continuous exposure, [≥] 99.97% ([≥] 3.86 log10) inactivation of C. auris was achieved in a patient-room sized test chamber. Our findings suggest that UV-C can serve as an effective infection control measure for preventing C. auris and other MDRO HAIs in healthcare settings. Implementation of UV-C disinfection protocols can contribute to enhanced patient safety and combat the growing threat of MDRO pathogens.