A recent study published in the journal revealed that a dangerous, unusual yeast infection responsible for two outbreaks in a neonatal critical care unit in Delhi is swiftly spreading and particularly resistant to disinfectants often used in hospital rooms. Lodderomyces elongisporus, the pathogen, normally affects immunocompromised people or intravenous drug users. But recently, it has started infecting premature neonates.

While infected patients can be treated with antifungal medications, the yeast is surprisingly resistant to the strong disinfectant bleach commonly used to sanitize hospital rooms.

The pathogen is evolving and reproducing at a far quicker rate than related illnesses such as Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus that may cause persistent and severe infections as well as widespread outbreaks.

While an outbreak of this magnitude is unusual, the researchers report that invasive fungal infections in neonatal intensive care units are rising globally.

According to the researchers, fungal sepsis caused by Candida species and other fungi has become a severe cause of illness and mortality in premature, low birth-weight newborns.

In Delhi, outbreaks of infections occurred in the autumn of 2021 and early 2022. Despite repeated deep cleaning in the intensive care unit, the study found ten babies infected for six months.

Previously, the researchers observed that fungicide-treated apples might transfer drug-resistant pathogens like L. elongisporus, indicating that fruits could be a feasible transmission route.

Researchers stated that preventing these viruses from entering hospital environments where many immunocompromised individuals are present gives them a far higher chance of being managed.

(Source:https://www.msn.com/en-in/health/health-news/dangerous-pathogen-behind-delhi-neonatal-outbreaks-resistant-to-disinfectant-reveals-study/ar-AA1atGhB#:~:text=A%20hazardous%2C%20uncommon%20yeast%20infection%20responsible%20for%20two,used%20in%20hospital%20rooms%2C%20according%20to%20a%20research.)