Episode 34: Infection Prevention and Control of Candida auris in Pediatric Settings

Candida auris has emerged as a major healthcare-associated pathogen due to its multidrug resistance, environmental persistence, and ability to spread between patients and healthcare facilities. Until now, infection prevention guidance has focused almost entirely on adults.Dr. Thomas Murray, Dr. Natalie Neu, and an international multidisciplinary panel developed the first comprehensive pediatric-specific infection prevention and control recommendations for Candida auris using a rigorous Delphi consensus process. The guidance addresses children's hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term pediatric care settings, and other congregate environments, balancing transmission prevention with family-centered care.The recommendations cover screening, Contact Precautions, room placement, caregiver involvement, breastfeeding, shared play spaces, environmental cleaning, equipment management, and coordination with public health agencies, while also providing expert consensus where evidence is limited.In this episode, the authors discuss why pediatric-specific guidance was needed, how the recommendations were developed, and what healthcare facilities can do to prepare for the continued emergence of Candida auris. Links and Recommendations:Infection prevention and control of Candida auris in pediatric settings: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antimicrobial-stewardship-and-healthcare-epidemiology/article/infection-prevention-and-control-of-candida-auris-in-pediatric-settings/D1012137F51BF268BC89FE5DBCC1DA8A