CHG Bathing Appears to Reduce C auris Shedding in NH Residents

Background: Candidozyma auris (formerly Candida auris ) is a multidrug resistant, health care–associated fungus, which does not respond well to traditional modes of decontamination such as hand hygiene and environmental cleaning. Better understanding of transmission patterns and strategies for prevention are needed. Objective: To quantify C auris shedding in nursing homes (NHs) during caregiving activities and rest, and to evaluate the effectiveness of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing in reducing shedding, using methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as a comparator (due to its known susceptibility to CHG). Methods: Chromogenic settle plates were placed on bedside tables of carriers of C auris and MRSA (identified through surveillance cultures of the nares, axilla/groin, and perirectum). The plates were present during 12 minutes of sleep prior to waking, and 12 minutes of morning hygiene care in order to study shedding patterns during rest versus caregiving activitie more...