"Candida auris": drug‑resistant opportunistic fungus that colonises the skin
Fungal infections caused by Candida auris have increased in recent decades and have become one of the main causes of death among hospitalised patients. Resistance to medicines and even climate change are some of the factors highlighted by researcher Catarina Pimentel for the spread of this opportunistic pathogen, which was detected in Portugal for the first time in 2022 and which can colonise our skin without us knowing.
INSA clarifies that the first case of Candida auris in Portugal was detected in 2022
Instituto Ricardo Jorge also reports that there were additional cases between 2022 and 2025 in public hospitals in the North and Lisbon and Tagus Valley Health Regions.
First cases of Candida auris identified in Portugal
The fungus, previously reported in 2023, has been found again in Portuguese hospitals. This species is notable for its resistance to multiple antifungal drugs.
