A deadly fungus, Candida auris, is spreading across neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in hospitals across Bangladesh. A new study by icddr,b has revealed that this fungus is rapidly infecting newborns and posing serious threats to their lives.

A New Health Threat: Hospital-Related Fungal Infections

Dhaka, Bangladesh, November 9, 2025 — Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have become a significant global public health concern. Recently, a deadly fungus named Candida auris has been spreading rapidly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A new study conducted by icddr,b has shown that this fungus is infecting infants in various neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Bangladesh.
The research was published in the international journal Microbiology Spectrum. It was conducted by icddr,b and the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), with technical assistance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Deadly Fungus ‘Candida auris’: From Silent Infection to High Mortality

Candida auris is a fungus that initially lives on the skin without showing any symptoms. In about 10% of cases, it enters the body—particularly the bloodstream—causing severe infections. Once inside the body, the mortality rate can reach as high as 70%, especially among individuals with weak immune systems or newborns.
It is resistant to many antifungal medications, turning it into a “superbug.” In 2019, the U.S. CDC declared it an urgent threat to antimicrobial resistance. One of its key traits is the ability to survive in hospital environments for extended periods, spread rapidly, and cause high mortality rates.

Research Findings: Data from Two Hospitals in Dhaka

Between August 2021 and September 2022, researchers monitored 374 newborn patients in one public and one private hospital in Dhaka.
Key findings include:

• A total of 32 infants (9%) were infected with Candida auris.
• Of these, 1 infant (0.3%) developed a bloodstream infection.
• 44% of infected infants were already infected at admission.
• The remaining 56% acquired infections during their hospital stay.
  Among the infected newborns, seven died, including the baby who developed a bloodstream infection. Researchers believe these infections originated inside the hospitals, with post-admission infections serving as clear evidence.
  Another recent icddr,b study found no community-based Candida auris infections among newly admitted patients, confirming that the infections are hospital-acquired.

Antifungal Resistance and the Link with Cesarean Deliveries

The study further revealed that:

• Only 3 (9%) Candida auris samples were resistant to multiple drugs.
• 82% were resistant to fluconazole, a commonly used antifungal medication.
• 81% of infected infants were delivered via cesarean section.
  Longer hospital stays are suspected of increasing the risk of infection.

Expert’s Comment: Immediate Action Needed for Prevention

Dr. Fahmida Chowdhury, Head of the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Research Unit at icddr,b’s Infectious Diseases Division, said:
“This study has proven that this superbug is rapidly spreading among critically ill infants in neonatal intensive care units. This is an important first step toward implementing preventive measures.”

Preventive Recommendations

Researchers have suggested several steps for hospital authorities:

• Regular cleaning of hospital surfaces using chlorine-based disinfectants.
• Promoting proper handwashing practices among healthcare workers.
• Continuous surveillance of infections in NICUs.
• Immediate isolation and antifungal treatment of infected or exposed newborns.

About icddr,b

Based in Bangladesh, icddr,b is an international health research institution that has been contributing to global public health research and innovation for over 60 years. Its research findings and expertise have helped policymakers and healthcare workers worldwide improve health outcomes.

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