Candida auris Biofilm on ECMO Cannulas

Abstract

Introduction: Candida auris has become an important multidrug resistant pathogen and there are several publications that show its ability to form biofilm in vitro. The formation of biofilms on biomaterials constitutes a reservoir of microorganisms and hinders the action of antibiotics.Clinical Case: A 44-year-old man was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with a diagnosis of cardiogenic shock due to an acute myocardial infarction. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) was required. During the therapy, Candida auris was isolated in microbiological cultures, including blood cultures and ECMO cannula cultures.Methods: the ECMO cannulas removed were analysed by cryo-scanning electron microscopy. Results:In vivo description of Candida auris biofilm, formatted in the arterial cannula of the veno arterial ECMO. Conclusion:The in vivo biofilm become a hidden focus of Candida auris infection.