Infection prevention and control of Candida auris in pediatric settings
Thomas S. Murray, Hana Hakim, Christelle Ilboudo, Lynn Ramírez-Ávila, Jana Shaw, Terri Stillwell, Patricia Budo, Bernard Ebruke, Noa Fleiss, Amanda Green, Matthew Linam, Roshni Mathew, April McDougal, Natalie Neu, Zoi Dorothea Pana, Karen Ravin, Ayelet Rosenthal, Jane D. Siegel, Katlyn Steimel, Amy Valencia, Carol Vance, Lars F. Westblade, Lisa SaimanAbstract
Background:
Candida auris (also referred to as Candidozyma auris ) is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen associated with high morbidity and mortality. Existing infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance has largely focused on adult populations, with limited recommendations for pediatric healthcare and non-healthcare settings.
Methods:
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) convened a multidisciplinary expert panel to develop IPC recommendations for C. auris . The panel developed recommendations using a structured, iterative Delphi consensus process with rounds of discussion, refinement, and anonymous electronic voting with predefined consensus thresholds. Panelists reviewed relevant peer-reviewed and gray literature integrated with expert judgment and practical considerations. Preambles and remarks provide additional context and guidance.
Results:
This consensus statement provides recommendations for prevention of C. auris in pediatric acute care settings, non-acute healthcare settings, and non-healthcare congregate settings. Recommendations incorporate pediatric risk factors and care and address screening practices, isolation precautions, caregiver–infant/child dyad considerations, room placement and rooming in, breastfeeding and skin-to-skin practices, visitation, use of shared spaces, environmental cleaning and disinfection, and management of medical and non-medical equipment, including toys. Recommendations emphasize coordination with local infection prevention and public health partners.
Conclusions:
This SHEA consensus statement addresses gaps in pediatric-specific IPC guidance for C. auris . The recommendations provide a practical framework to support prevention of transmission within the context of pediatric clinical, developmental, and family-centered care.