Infection Control in Action: Mount Sinai’s Screening Strategies for Candida auris
Introduction
Candida auris (C. auris) is a highly transmissible and often drug-resistant fungal pathogen that poses significant challenges to healthcare facilities worldwide. Mount Sinai Health System, a leading academic medical system in New York City, has developed and implemented enhanced screening protocols to identify patients colonized with C. auris, thereby preventing hospital outbreaks and ensuring patient safety. This article explores Mount Sinai’s screening strategies for C. auris and highlights the importance of effective infection control measures in healthcare settings.
The Challenge of C. auris Infections
C. auris can cause severe bloodstream, wound, and ear infections, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems. The fungus can survive on contaminated surfaces and medical devices for several weeks, making it a significant threat to healthcare facilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), C. auris is considered an urgent global health threat due to its ability to spread rapidly and cause outbreaks.¹ ²
Mount Sinai’s Enhanced Screening Protocols
In response to an outbreak investigation in 2022, Mount Sinai Brooklyn revised its C. auris screening protocols to include all patients admitted from skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) or those with recent stays in such facilities. This expanded approach identified more cases of C. auris colonization, enabling the hospital to implement timely isolation and disinfection measures to prevent further spread. The study published in the American Journal of Infection Control highlights the effectiveness of broader screening protocols in detecting C. auris cases early.³
Key Findings and Benefits
The study conducted at Mount Sinai Brooklyn demonstrated the value of expanded screening protocols in preventing hospital outbreaks. Key findings include⁴:
– Increased detection: The new protocol identified eight cases that would have gone undiagnosed under the prior protocol.
– Early intervention: Timely isolation and disinfection measures prevented further spread of C. auris.
– Improved patient safety: The expanded screening protocol helped protect other patients and the hospital environment from potential transmission.
Infection Control Measures
Mount Sinai’s approach to infection control includes:
– Hand hygiene: Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer as the preferred method for cleaning hands.
– Setting-based precautions: Implementing Contact Precautions or Enhanced Barrier Precautions, depending on the situation and local or state jurisdiction recommendations.
– Environmental disinfection: Using EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants effective against C. auris.
– Patient transfer protocols: Communicating C. auris status to receiving facilities when transferring patients.
Conclusion
Mount Sinai’s enhanced screening protocols for C. auris demonstrate the importance of effective infection control measures in healthcare settings. By adopting broader screening approaches and implementing timely isolation and disinfection measures, healthcare facilities can prevent hospital outbreaks and ensure patient safety. As C. auris continues to pose a significant threat to global health, healthcare facilities must remain vigilant and proactive in their infection control efforts.
References:
Mount Sinai Researchers Enhance Screening Methods to Prevent Spread of Candida auris Expanded Screening Protocols Improve Early Detection of Candida auris at Mount Sinai Brooklyn Broader Screening Methods Help Prevent Spread of Dangerous Fungal Pathogen in Hospitals Infection Control Guidance: Candida auris | Candida auris (C. auris) | CDC