Candida auris, an emerging multi-drug resistant yeast (fungus) responsible for life-threatening global outbreaks, has been isolated from the ear canals and skin surface of hospitalized stray dogs in Delhi.

Researchers from the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, Ramjas College, and Delhi University studied skin and ear swab samples of 52 stray and 35 domesticated dogs hospitalized at Delhi's Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre, 4 of which showed evidence of the fungus. 

It is yet unknown how transmission occurs between dogs and humans and the clinical implications of this. 

According to the study, pets may serve as superbug reservoirs, potentially spreading diseases to people. 

The study observed that C. auris had been found outside hospitals in tidal marshes, hypersaline environments, and wastewater, indicating that this yeast can endure harsh conditions. 

The CDC and WHO have classified C. auris, which was originally discovered in Japan in 2009, as an urgent threat and a critical priority group, respectively, since some strains are difficult to identify and resistant to all three classes of antifungals, which can result in improper management and outbreaks.