January 2017

Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal

Highlights: Emerging Infectious Diseases, Vol. 23, No. 2, February 2017

Note: Not all articles published in EID represent work done at CDC. In your stories, please clarify whether a study was conducted by CDC (“a CDC study”) or by another institution (“a study published by CDC”). The opinions expressed by authors contributing to EID do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CDC or the institutions with which the authors are affiliated. EID requests that, when possible, you include a live link to the article in your stories.

The articles of interest summarized below will appear in the February 2017 issues of Emerging Infectious Diseases, CDC’s monthly peer-reviewed public health journal. This issue will feature Fungal Infections. The articles are embargoed until January 11, 2017, at 12 p.m. EST.

1.   Biofilm-Forming Capability of Highly Virulent, Multidrug-Resistant Candida auris, Leighann Sherry et al.

The yeast Candida auris has recently been associated worldwide with life-threatening invasive diseases, including bloodstream and wound infections. Since it was first detected in 2009 from an infected ear canal of a patient in Japan, C auris has caused hospital outbreaks across Asia, South America and the United Kingdom, and cases reported in the United States. Although the mode of transmission within hospitals is unknown, C. auris can contaminate the rooms of infected patients. Researchers examined whether this organism might have the ability to form an antifungal resistant biofilm. Biofilms form when microbes stick to surfaces in aqueous environments and excrete a substance that allows them to adhere to other materials, such as medical instruments. The researchers also assessed whether the organism was susceptible to a panel of antifungal agents and the skin disinfectant chlorhexidine. They determined that the spread and prevalence of C. auris probably cannot be controlled with antifungal approaches alone. However, because chlorhexidine proved to be effective against C. auris, the use of this disinfectant can be advocated for topical control of C. auris at standard concentrations used for skin and wound cleansing and disinfection. In addition, other standard infection-prevention measures targeting C. auris in patients, on medical devices (e.g., equipment in contact with patients), and in the hospital environment are warranted. 

Contact: CDC Press Office, media@cdc.gov or 404-639-3286.

2.  Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense Tapeworm Larvae in Salmon from North America, Roman Kuchta et al.

The Japanese broad tapeworm can infect humans who eat infected Pacific salmon; infection with broad tapeworms is called diphyllobothriosis. In Japan and eastern Russia, four species of Pacific salmon have been implicated. But for decades, the possible occurrence of this tapeworm in Pacific salmon from the Pacific Coast of North America has been ignored. However, in 2013, researchers found Japanese broad tapeworm larvae in wild pink salmon from Alaska. Therefore, parasitologists and medical doctors should be aware that this tapeworm can infect people who eat raw Pacific salmon from the Pacific coast of not only Asia but also North America.

Contact: CDC Press Office, media@cdc.gov or 404-639-3286.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES