KU Leuven Research Unlocks Potential for Preventing Hospital Infections Caused by Candida Auris

In addition to the hospital bacteria, there is growing concern about the hospital fungus Candida auris . Researchers from KU Leuven have discovered which proteins on the surface of the fungus are essential for the formation of fungal clumps and biofilms. This knowledge can contribute to the development of new treatments in the fight against this deadly fungus. The results have been published in Nature Communications .

Candida auris is known for its ability to cause resistant infections that can have serious consequences, especially in patients with weakened immune systems. Since 2014, several hospitals have been struggling with persistent C. auris outbreaks because the fungal cells organize themselves in an unseen way that makes it very difficult to completely prevent and eradicate the infection.

Dependent on adhesion proteins

The research team studied the behavior of C. auris under different conditions and observed how the fungus clumps and biofilm formation is achieved. They then defined several proteins that play a crucial role in these processes. Their research shows that adhesion proteins Als4112 and Scf1 are responsible for the adhesion and growth of the fungus. When these proteins were knocked out, the ability of the fungus to clump and form biofilms was significantly reduced.

“ C. auris ’ reliance on two adhesion proteins to attach and form clumps makes it an interesting avenue for developing new treatments,” Van Dijck said. “Fungal colonies that cannot form biofilms would be more susceptible to existing antifungals, allowing hospital environments to more quickly eradicate resistant and persistent C. auris infections.”