Two Candida Auris cases erupt in hospital

Two female patients were currently treated under isolation at the Princess Margaret Hospital after being confirmed with Candida auris, the Hospital Authority said. 

Candida auris, a fungus that grows as yeast, often causes infections difficult to treat as it does not respond to commonly used antifungal drugs. 

One of the two patients, 84, had been in stable condition so far, whereas the other, 85, had been in critical condition - compounded by her chronic illnesses, the authority said. 

The 84-year-old patient was confirmed with the fungus on July 4, despite being asymptomatic. 

Similarly, the 85-year-old patient, asymptomatic, was confirmed with the fungus around the same time.

“In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, the hospital has conducted contact tracing for patients who have had close contact with the index patient,” the authority said. 

Separately, another 72-year-old male asymptomatic patient in the hospital had been identified as a Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci carrier, the authority added. 

Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci, a bacteria living in intestines and on skin, usually does not cause problems, unless they become resistant to antibiotics - resulting in serious infections. 

“The patient is being treated under isolation with stable condition," the authority said. 

“The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the patients...The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.”