The Netherlands will have a globally unique screening system for fungal infections. There is a fundamental fear of an outbreak of the so-called Candida auris. The system allows for a rapid response in the event of a mold outbreak.
The screening system is the result of cooperation between Radboud University Medical Center and RIVM. “With this system, we will soon be prepared for an increase in dangerous fungi and can respond quickly in the event of an outbreak and outbreak,” project leader Elko Meijer wrote in a message on the website. website From Radboud University Medical Centre.
Screening should show at an early stage the type of yeasts that are spreading. “For this purpose, sewage and existing infections are examined. This is important, because infections with yeasts such as Candida auris are on the rise,” says Major.
There is a sharp increase in the number of infections around the world. This mushroom is also commonly seen in Europe, especially in Italy, Spain and Greece. A small number of cases have been recorded in the Netherlands. “Thanks to good infection measures, serious fungal infections are still rare in our country. This is about dozens of infections per year,” says Major. It is not clear exactly how many there are, because we do not yet have a good screening system.
Candida auris is often resistant to antifungal medications. This makes the infection difficult to treat. That's why the World Health Organization is calling for action. With the new monitoring system, the Netherlands will become the first country in the world that can test for fungi.
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Wat is Candida auris?
Candida auris is een schimmelsoort waar mensen met een goed afweersysteem over het algemeen niet ziek van worden. Maar kwetsbare mensen, die bijvoorbeeld net een orgaantransplantatie hebben ondergaan, kunnen er wél ernstig ziek van worden. De schimmel kan oorontsteking of koorts veroorzaken, maar ook in de bloedbaan terechtkomen of organen kapotmaken. In die gevallen is een infectie vaak dodelijk.
De schimmel verspreidt zich vooral in ziekenhuizen en verpleeghuizen. Dat kan via besmetting van de handen of medische instrumenten. In tegenstelling tot de meeste soorten schimmels kan Candida auris namelijk overleven buiten het lichaam.
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