UNLV detects C. auris early
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported May 20, 2026 · Last updated May 31, 2026
The new wastewater surveillance method developed by the University of Nevada, Reno could significantly reduce healthcare costs associated with C. auris outbreaks by enabling earlier intervention. This innovation could also spur investment in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies focused on developing new antifungal treatments and vaccines, positively impacting the healthcare industry.
A new study led by the University of Nevada, Reno has demonstrated that sampling raw wastewater directly from hospital sewer lines can detect the deadly, drug-resistant fungus Candida auris up to five months before patients show symptoms. This research, published in Tata Communications>>>, builds on previous work and involved collaborations with entities like the United States — Southern Nevada Water Authority>>>, United States — Southern Nevada Health District>>>, and United States — Nevada State Public Health Laboratory>>>. United States — Nevada>>> has been particularly affected by C. auris, experiencing the largest outbreak in US history. The findings, spearheaded by researchers like Edwin Oh>>> and Ching-Lan Chang>>>, offer a non-invasive, facility-scale biopsy approach to public health, providing critical early warnings for healthcare facilities. The team has also created one of the world's largest C. auris genomic repositories, aiming to develop new antifungal therapeutics and potentially a vaccine.
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