Determination of various antifungal susceptibility and biofilm formation properties of Candidozyma auris

Candidozyma auris (Candida auris) is a newly emerging and significant opportunistic pathogen that has rapidly spread worldwide in recent years. It exhibits multidrug resistance to antifungal agents and is capable of causing nosocomial outbreaks. Due to its high associated mortality, particularly among patients in intensive care units, it is considered a critical concern in clinical microbiology and infection control. In this study, the biofilm-forming capacities and antifungal susceptibility profiles of C. auris isolates were investigated in detail. The biofilm formation ability of the isolates was evaluated using the microtiter plate method combined with crystal violet staining, and biofilm production was quantified based on optical density (OD) values. The data revealed that the majority of the studied C. auris strains did not produce biofilms. Only 3 isolate demonstrated moderate biofilm formation, suggesting that this strain may pose a potential risk in terms of antifungal resistance and infection persistence. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the Thermo Scientific YeastOne YO10 panel, and the results were interpreted according to the updated 2023 CLSI microdilution guidelines provided by the CDC. Isolates tested with the echinocandins caspofungin and micafungin generally exhibited high susceptibility, with MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ values for caspofungin determined as 0.25 and 0.5 µg/mL, respectively. However, the detection of elevated MIC values for micafungin in a small number of isolates underscores the need for continued surveillance and highlights the potential risk of emerging resistance. All isolates were found to be susceptible to anidulafungin, confirming its continued effectiveness as a treatment option for C. auris infections.In conclusion, the biofilm-forming capacity and antifungal resistance profile of C. auris are of critical importance in the clinical management of infections caused by this pathogen.