A nightmare for hospitals worldwide may finally have met its match.
Candida auris, a fearsome fungus identified less than twenty years ago, is resistant to most treatments and often establishes itself in intensive care units, posing a serious threat to already weakened patients. Faced with this therapeutic dead end, a team from the University of Exeter may have identified a promising lead.
By examining the fungus's behavior during a real infection, the researchers observed specific genetic activity. This discovery outlines a path for developing new treatments, offering hope against an enemy that until now held all the cards.
Filaments of Candida auris observed during the infectious stage.
Credit: University of Exeter
Understanding Candida auris was not simple, as this fungus tolerates high temperatures and high salinity. To circumvent this difficulty, scientists had the idea to use a particular fish, the Arabian killifish. The eggs of this small animal survive at human body temperature, which allowed the infection to be replicated under conditions very close to reality. This innovative model successfully replaced traditional approaches using mice.
During the infection, the fungus shows an ability to form long filaments, likely to explore its environment in search of nutrients. But the most interesting element concerns its genes. Several of them activate to produce nutrient pumps, whose role is to capture molecules that trap iron and bring it into the fungal cells. Iron is essential for the microorganism's survival, which could represent its weak point.
These genetic discoveries could have significant practical consequences. Drugs already exist designed to interfere with iron capture in other pathogens. The researchers now think these treatments could be adapted or repurposed to fight Candida auris. If successful, it could save lives and prevent the closure of hospital departments.
The spread of this fungus is a global concern, as highlighted by its inclusion on the World Health Organization's list of priority fungal pathogens. The study, published in
Communications Biology and supported by several research bodies, shows how creative approaches can advance science.