Candida auris Forms High-Burden Biofilms in Skin Niche Conditions and on Porcine Skin
Mark V. Horton, Chad Johnson, John F. Kernien, Tarika D. Patel, Brandon C. Lam, Jonathan Cheong, Jennifer J. Meudt, Dhanansayan Shanmuganayagam, Lindsay Kalan, Jeniel E. Nett
Abstract
The emerging fungal pathogen Candida auris causes invasive infections and is spreading in hospitals worldwide. Why this species exhibits the capacity to transfer efficiently among patients is unknown. Our findings reveal that C. auris forms high-burden biofilms in conditions mimicking sweat on the skin surface. These adherent biofilm communities persist in environmental conditions expected in the hospital setting. Using a pig skin model, we show that C. auris also forms high-burden biofilm structures on the skin surface. Identification of this mode of growth sheds light on how this recently described pathogen persists in hospital settings and spreads among patients.