Environmental Survival of<i> Candidozyma</i><i> (Candida</i>)<i> auris</i> on Inanimate Surfaces: A Comparative Study with Other Candida Species

Algın S., Ulukan H., Şevik F., Hasanlı R., Şahin E. A., Erganiş S., ...Daha Fazla

FLORA INFEKSIYON HASTALIKLARI VE KLINIK MIKROBIYOLOJI DERGISI, cilt.31, sa.2, ss.169-176, 2026 (ESCI, TRDizin)

Özet

Introduction: Candidozyma (Candida) auris is a significant pathogen in healthcare-associated infections due to its multidrug resistance and high environmental persistence. This study aimed to investigate the survival duration of C. auris on various inanimate surfaces and compare it with other Candida species. Materials and Methods: A total of seven Candidozyma (Candida) strains-including the reference strain CDC B11903 (Clade IV)-and four different Candida species [Candida albicans, Candida krusei (Pichia kudriavzevii), Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis] were used. Eight hospital-relevant surfaces (wood, glass, plastic, phone, keyboard, door handle, glove, and light switch) were contaminated with yeast suspensions at a concentration of 1010 cells/mL. Samples were collected on days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 using sterile swabs and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar and sheep blood agar to assess viability. Biofilm-forming capacity was evaluated in 96-well microplates using the 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Results: C. auris remained viable on all tested surfaces for up to 14 days. In contrast, some of the other Candida species lost viability after day seventh no significant difference was observed among surface types regarding C. auris survival duration. All C. auris isolates were biofilm-positive. Conclusion: The prolonged environmental survival of C. auris highlights the necessity for strict and consistent infection control measures. These findings emphasize the importance of revisiting cleaning and disinfection strategies in healthcare settings.