This kind of mycosis develops on the skin. Most of the time, without his victim even realizing it.
Sometimes this yeast manages to make its way to the blood in fragile or immunosuppressed people, for example if the patient has a catheter or has just had surgery.
It’s there that White ears becomes formidable: once the blood system is contaminated, the mortality rate reaches 30 to 50%, according to WHO estimates.
Strong spread in the United States
The fungus was first observed in 2009, first in Asia, in South Africa, then in South America. It is only recently that clusters have formed in Europe and the United States. In these two places, the spread is considered alarming by the health authorities.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sounded the alarm last week. The highly drug-resistant fungus is spreading at “an alarming rate” in US healthcare facilities.
An unknown origin
Several hypotheses have been put forward as to the origin of this organism. One of the most likely is that it has been around for millions of years, but lived apart from humans until recently.
As it is a very salt-resistant yeast, it is believed that White ears probably evolved for a long time in salt marshes or mangroves. With global warming, these marshes dried up, which would have allowed transmission to our species.
Aggravating factor, the massive use of pesticides and antifungals. This practice has pushed this fungus to adapt (by selection pressure), to finally resist the molecules that we usually use.
Search for a parry
There is currently no treatment for this type of infection, which represents a real nightmare for hospitals. In the event of contamination, the entire hospital must be evacuated and hydrogen peroxide sprayed on all surfaces and medical instruments.
In Switzerland, we have never come to this. But we are preparing for the worst, above all by seeking to develop a response. One of the leading laboratories in this war once morest germs is at the CHUV.
The team of infectiologist Frédéric Lamoth works on yeast colonies from all over the world, to try to understand how the different mutations might have made this fungus hyper-resistant.
Other scientific research focuses on the interactions between the fungus and our immune system. The idea is to identify new drugs that, it is hoped, will override the incredible adaptability of White earswhich made him an extremely tough germ.
Sophie Iselin/ami
