Can Candida auris be treated safely in elderly patients?

Question

Hello doctor,

My mother, who is 79 years old, has been in a nursing home for three months after suffering a stroke. The staff has now informed us that she has contracted an infection called Candida auris. They have moved her to an isolation room, and the staff is wearing full protective gear to enter.

Her wound from a pressure sore on her sacrum is not healing and is showing white patches, which they say are caused by the Candida auris infection. Her blood tests show an elevated white blood cell count of 17.2, and she has fevers of 101-102°F every evening. The facility has informed us that this infection is very resistant to treatments, and other patients have contracted it as well.

My mother is confused and upset about being isolated, which is making her recovery harder. The antifungal treatment they are administering through intravenous (IV) infusion is worsening her kidney function, with her creatinine levels rising to 2.4 from a baseline of 1.3.

We are scared because the nurse mentioned that Candida auris has a high mortality rate in elderly patients. Additionally, my mother’s diabetes is also becoming difficult to control, with her blood sugar levels ranging from 240-320 despite insulin adjustments.

How serious is Candida auris really? Are there other treatment options available if the current ones are harming her kidneys? Can we still visit her, or will we risk carrying the infection home? The nursing home staff seems scared themselves, which is only adding to our worry.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

Candida auris is a drug-resistant fungal infection that can spread in hospitals or nursing homes. It often affects people with weakened immunity, such as elderly patients with diabetes or pressure wounds. It can be difficult to treat and sometimes serious, especially if it enters the bloodstream.

Yes, it can be serious, especially in older patients with other health issues. The fevers, high white blood cell count, and rising creatinine levels suggest that the infection is stressing her body. Pressure sores can be an entry point, making healing more difficult.

The antifungal intravenous (IV) drugs are strong, but they can harm the kidneys, especially in older adults. Doctors sometimes switch to other antifungals or adjust doses to protect the kidneys. They may also balance fluids and monitor lab results closely to avoid further damage.

You can usually visit, but you will need to follow protective guidelines, such as wearing gowns and gloves. This protects both you and other patients. You are unlikely to carry it home if you follow precautions carefully and wash your hands after visits.

You can ask the treating team about:

Alternative antifungal options.
Wound care updates.
Support for her confusion and stress from isolation.
Monitoring blood sugars closely, as infection can make diabetes harder to control.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.