Epidemiology, clinical characteristics, resistance, and treatment of infections by Candida auris

<i>Candida</i> spp<i>.</i> infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. <i>Candida auris</i> is an emerging multi-drug-resistant fungus that is rapidly spreading worldwide. Since the first reports in 2009, many isolates across five continents have been identified as agents of hospital-associated infections. Independent and simultaneous outbreaks of <i>C. auris</i> are becoming a major concern for healthcare and scientific community. Moreover, laboratory misidentification and multi-drug-resistant profiles, rarely observed for other non-albicans <i>Candida</i> species, result in difficult eradication and frequent therapeutic failures of <i>C. auris</i> infections. The aim of this review was to provide an updated and comprehensive report of the global spread of <i>C. auris</i>, focusing on clinical and microbiological characteristics, mechanisms of virulence and antifungal resistance, and efficacy of available control, preventive, and therapeutic strategies.