Date issued: June 2026

Review date: June 2029

Leaflet section: Infection Prevention and Management

PDF: Candidozyma auris ‘At Risk’.pdf [pdf] 207KB

Infection Prevention and Management Team

Why have you been given this leaflet? 

You have been identified as being at risk of Candidozyma auris (C. auris).

This may be because you:

• Answered “yes” to one of the screening questions

• Have previously been in contact with C. auris

• Have received healthcare in a setting where C. auris has been identified

What does ‘at risk’ mean? 

What does “at risk” mean? Being “at risk” means:

• You may be more likely to carry C. auris

• You are not unwell because of this

• Screening is done as a precaution to keep you and others safe

What is Candidozyma auris (C.auris)?

C. auris is a type of fungus (yeast).

• It can live on the skin or in the body

• Many people carry it without symptoms

• Sometimes it can cause infection, particularly in people who are already unwell

How do we test for C.auris? 

We screen for C. auris using swabs taken from your body. This may include swabs from:

• Groin

• Armpit

• Nose

If needed, we may also take swabs from:

• Wounds

• Medical devices (such as drips or catheters)

The samples are sent to the laboratory. Results are usually available within 2-3 days.

What happens if you are admitted to hospital? 

If you are admitted:

• There will be an alert on your medical record

• You may be cared for in a single room

• Your environment and equipment will be cleaned regularly

• You will be screened again as a precaution

This helps reduce the spread of infection.

Visitors may be asked to:

• Clean their hands when entering and leaving

• Wear protective clothing if needed

Important: Being at risk or having a positive result will not affect your care or treatment.

How is C.auris spread? 

C. auris can spread in healthcare settings through:

• Direct contact with other people

• Hands of healthcare workers or visitors

• Contaminated equipment or surfaces

What does this mean for you and your family?

• Being at risk does not mean you are unwell

• Screening is a routine safety measure

• Good hygiene helps protect you and others

If you have any concerns, please speak to a member of staff.

What can you do? 

You can help reduce the spread by:

Cleaning your hands regularly:

• After using the toilet

• Before eating or drinking

• Using soap and water or alcohol hand gel

Avoid touching:

• Wounds

• Medical devices (such as drips or catheters)

 

Other formats

If you need this leaflet in another format such as Braille, large print, high contrast, British Sign Language or translated into another language, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):

• 01752 439694

• plh-tr.PALS@nhs.net