The Fungus Among Us - Detecting Candida auris Colonization and Yeast Bloodstream Infections

Candida auris is a serious emerging public health threat due to its multi-drug resistance and the ability to spread in healthcare facilities. In addition, it is challenging and time consuming to identify this pathogen using standard laboratory techniques. Bloodstream infections (BSIs), caused by C. auris and other fungal pathogens, represent a serious and often life-threatening condition. The incidence of fungal BSIs has been increasing over the past few decades, particularly in immunocompromised patients, critically ill patients, and those with indwelling medical devices such as central venous catheters.   

In this webinar:

• Dr. Sarah Elliott, Principal Scientist in Scientific Affairs at Diasorin will present an overview of Candida auris and its role in healthcare-associated infections. She will review the clinical and analytical data from the FDA De Novo granted Simplexa^® C. auris Direct assay for the rapid detection of this pathogen in colonized patients.
• Dr. Sherry Dunbar, Senior Director of Scientific Affairs Programs at Diasorin will be discussing BSIs caused by fungal pathogens and the patient journey for diagnosis and management of BSIs and sepsis. She will present the clinical and analytical data from the newly FDA cleared LIAISON PLEX^® Yeast Blood Culture Assay, which is capable of simultaneously detecting and differentiating multiple pathogenic fungal organisms from positive blood cultures.

Objectives:

• Review the importance of emerging fungal pathogens, like Candida auris, and their importance in healthcare settings.
• Learn about the performance of the Simplexa^® C. auris Direct assay and how it can be used in the prevention and control of C. auris spread in healthcare settings.
• Review BSIs and the increasing importance of fungal pathogens in these infections.
• Learn about the clinical and analytical performance of the LIAISON PLEX^® Yeast Blood Culture Assay