A Fungus for Our Time: Candida auris Emerges into the Anthropocene

Abstract

Abstract Purpose of Review Candida auris is a multi-drug-resistant pathogen with many phenotypic variations that contribute to its pathogenicity. This review aims to characterize its phenotypic heterogeneity while highlighting the variants that should be prioritized in future research to advance therapies against C. auris. Recent Findings As the Earth warms, fungi like Candida experience selective pressure to tolerate these higher temperatures and become the few fungal species capable of successfully colonizing the host. The most recent of these is C. auris, which has become an acute concern due to its rapid emergence, high mortality rate, and resistance to all known classes of antifungals. Summary Several studies have contributed rapidly to our general understanding of C. auris, but not enough has been experimentally verified on its morphological variation and its ability to maintain a successful commensal lifestyle on the human skin. Because of its distinct phenotypic variations compared to other fungal species, especially under the selective pressures of its host, C. auris presents a unique opportunity to identify unique targets and strategies to contribute to the antifungal pipeline and control emergent pathogens.