Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Superbug Fungus Symptoms On The Rise In The US As Drug Resistance Grows, Experts Say

superbug fungus

A deadly fungus that resists multiple drugs is already spreading quickly through hospitals in the U.S. and is becoming an increasing concern worldwide, though there may be some hope for new treatments, according to a recent scientific review.

Candida auris (C. auris), often called a "<span>superbug fungus</span>," is spreading across the globe and becoming harder for the human immune system to fight, researchers at the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI) noted in a review published in early December.

The findings echo previous CDC warnings that classified C. auris as an "urgent antimicrobial threat" — the first fungal pathogen to earn this label, as U.S. cases have risen sharply, particularly in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Superbug</span> Fungus: Dangerous Spike in Superbug Infections Across the U.S.</h2>

According to the CDC, roughly 7,000 cases were reported across dozens of U.S. states in 2025, and the fungus has now been identified in at least 60 countries.

The review, published in Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, explains why the pathogen is so difficult to contain and highlights that outdated diagnostic tools and limited treatment options lag behind its rapid spread. Researchers involved included Dr. Neeraj Chauhan of Hackensack Meridian CDI, Dr. Anuradha Chowdhary of the University of Delhi’s Medical Mycology Unit, and Dr. Michail Lionakis, chief of the NIH’s clinical mycology program.

The team emphasized the urgent need for “novel antifungal agents with broad activity against human fungal pathogens, improved diagnostic tests, and immune- or vaccine-based adjunct treatments for high-risk patients.” They also stressed that awareness campaigns and better surveillance, especially in resource-limited countries, are key to improving outcomes for those affected by opportunistic fungal infections.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Superbug Fungus Symptoms</span></h2>

The symptoms of a Candida auris infection can vary depending on which part of the body is affected. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some possible signs include:

<ul><li>Fever</li><li>Chills</li><li>Extreme fatigue or weakness</li><li>Low blood pressure</li><li>Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)</li><li>Abnormally low body temperature (hypothermia)</li><li>Pain, pressure, or a sense of fullness in the ear (in cases of C. auris ear infection)</li></ul>

Because many individuals who contract C. auris are already critically ill, the infection’s symptoms might not always be obvious. In fact, people can carry the fungus without showing any signs but still have the potential to transmit it to others.

<h2>Superbug Fungus: How C. auris Spreads</h2>

First discovered in 2009 from a patient’s ear in Japan, C. auris has now reached dozens of countries, including the U.S., where some hospital intensive care units have had to shut down due to outbreaks. The fungus is most dangerous to people who are already critically ill, particularly those on ventilators or with weakened immune systems, with some estimates suggesting up to half of infected patients may die.

Unlike many other fungi, C. auris can survive on human skin and cling to hospital surfaces and medical equipment, making it easy to spread in healthcare settings. “It is resistant to multiple antifungal drugs and tends to spread in hospitals, including on equipment used for immunocompromised patients, such as ventilators and catheters,” said Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst at Fox News and clinical professor at NYU Langone.

The fungus is often misdiagnosed, delaying treatment and infection control measures. “Symptoms like fever, chills, and aches can be mistaken for other infections,” Siegel added.

<h2>Treatment Challenges and Research Progress</h2>

Currently, only four main classes of antifungal drugs exist, and C. auris has shown resistance to many of them. While three new antifungal medications have been approved or are in late-stage trials, drug development has struggled to keep pace with the pathogen’s evolution.

Despite this, researchers remain cautiously optimistic. A study from the University of Exeter in England, published in Communications Biology, identified a potential vulnerability in the fungus. The team found that C. auris activates specific genes to scavenge iron, which it needs to survive. Drugs that block this process may eventually stop infections or allow existing medications to be repurposed.

“We may have uncovered an Achilles’ heel in this deadly pathogen during active infection,” said Dr. Hugh Gifford, co-author and clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter.

While research continues to understand and combat C. auris, health officials stress that strict infection control, rapid detection, and investment in new treatments are crucial. Importantly, C. auris is not considered a threat to healthy individuals, but it poses a serious risk to patients in hospitals and long-term care settings.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

superbug

superbug fungus candida auris

new superbug fungus

next superbug fungus

global superbug fungus

superbug fungus symptoms

superbug fungus singapore

superbug fungus infection

fungus amungus superbug

Cells May Remain Alive in a Mysterious State Between Life and Death

Kerala Reports Spike In Hepatitis A Infections—Symptoms, Spread, And Prevention Explained

US Doctors Name 2025 As The Worst Year For MMR Vaccination Rates As Measles Continues To Spread

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

A deadly fungus that resists multiple drugs is already spreading quickly through hospitals in the U.S. and is becoming an increasing concern worldwide, though there may be some hope for new treatments, according to a recent scientific review.Candida auris (C. auris), often called a "superbug fungus," is spreading across the globe and becoming harder for the human immune system to fight, researchers at the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI) noted in a review published in early December.The findings echo previous CDC warnings that classified C. auris as an "urgent antimicrobial threat" — the first fungal pathogen to earn this label, as U.S. cases have risen sharply, particularly in hospitals and long-term care facilities.Superbug Fungus: Dangerous Spike in Superbug Infections Across the U.S.According to the CDC, roughly 7,000 cases were reported across dozens of U.S. states in 2025, and the fungus has now been identified in at least 60 countries.The review, published in Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, explains why the pathogen is so difficult to contain and highlights that outdated diagnostic tools and limited treatment options lag behind its rapid spread. Researchers involved included Dr. Neeraj Chauhan of Hackensack Meridian CDI, Dr. Anuradha Chowdhary of the University of Delhi’s Medical Mycology Unit, and Dr. Michail Lionakis, chief of the NIH’s clinical mycology program.The team emphasized the urgent need for “novel antifungal agents with broad activity against human fungal pathogens, improved diagnostic tests, and immune- or vaccine-based adjunct treatments for high-risk patients.” They also stressed that awareness campaigns and better surveillance, especially in resource-limited countries, are key to improving outcomes for those affected by opportunistic fungal infections.Superbug Fungus SymptomsThe symptoms of a Candida auris infection can vary depending on which part of the body is affected. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some possible signs include:FeverChillsExtreme fatigue or weaknessLow blood pressureRapid heartbeat (tachycardia)Abnormally low body temperature (hypothermia)Pain, pressure, or a sense of fullness in the ear (in cases of C. auris ear infection)Because many individuals who contract C. auris are already critically ill, the infection’s symptoms might not always be obvious. In fact, people can carry the fungus without showing any signs but still have the potential to transmit it to others.Superbug Fungus: How C. auris SpreadsFirst discovered in 2009 from a patient’s ear in Japan, C. auris has now reached dozens of countries, including the U.S., where some hospital intensive care units have had to shut down due to outbreaks. The fungus is most dangerous to people who are already critically ill, particularly those on ventilators or with weakened immune systems, with some estimates suggesting up to half of infected patients may die.Unlike many other fungi, C. auris can survive on human skin and cling to hospital surfaces and medical equipment, making it easy to spread in healthcare settings. “It is resistant to multiple antifungal drugs and tends to spread in hospitals, including on equipment used for immunocompromised patients, such as ventilators and catheters,” said Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst at Fox News and clinical professor at NYU Langone.The fungus is often misdiagnosed, delaying treatment and infection control measures. “Symptoms like fever, chills, and aches can be mistaken for other infections,” Siegel added.Treatment Challenges and Research ProgressCurrently, only four main classes of antifungal drugs exist, and C. auris has shown resistance to many of them. While three new antifungal medications have been approved or are in late-stage trials, drug development has struggled to keep pace with the pathogen’s evolution.Despite this, researchers remain cautiously optimistic. A study from the University of Exeter in England, published in Communications Biology, identified a potential vulnerability in the fungus. The team found that C. auris activates specific genes to scavenge iron, which it needs to survive. Drugs that block this process may eventually stop infections or allow existing medications to be repurposed.“We may have uncovered an Achilles’ heel in this deadly pathogen during active infection,” said Dr. Hugh Gifford, co-author and clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter.While research continues to understand and combat C. auris, health officials stress that strict infection control, rapid detection, and investment in new treatments are crucial. Importantly, C. auris is not considered a threat to healthy individuals, but it poses a serious risk to patients in hospitals and long-term care settings.

superbug fungus symptoms on the rise in the us as drug resistance grows, experts say

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Superbug Fungus Symptoms On The Rise In The US As Drug Resistance Grows, Experts Say

US Doctors Name 2025 As The Worst Year For MMR Vaccination Rates As Measles Continues To Spread

Flu Symptoms in 2026 Show New Pattern, Including Lung Damage Linked to K Variant

Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson's Twin Babies Have SMA-1; Signs She Is Asking Other Parents To Look Out For

Health Conditions A-Z

Cells May Remain Alive in a Mysterious State Between Life and Death

Kerala Reports Spike In Hepatitis A Infections—Symptoms, Spread, And Prevention Explained

US Doctors Name 2025 As The Worst Year For MMR Vaccination Rates As Measles Continues To Spread