With reference to Candida auris and antifungal resistance, consider the following statements: 1. The mortality rate associated with Candida auris is reported to be between 10-20%. 2. Over 90% of Indian Candida auris isolates are resistant to azole-based antifungals. 3. The Eagle effect is identified as a mechanism for antifungal resistance in C. auris. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Over 90% of Indian Candida auris isolates resist azole-based antifungals, study finds

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims + Mains· 4 October 2026

Antimicrobial resistance in fungal pathogens: a critical GS3 Science & Technology and Public Health topic.

Why in news

Researchers from JNCASR found that over 90% of Indian *Candida auris* isolates are resistant to azole-based antifungals, posing a significant public health threat.

Background

A study in Nature Communications by researchers from JNCASR identified that *Candida auris* has a 30-40% mortality rate. The study highlighted genetic mutations and the 'Eagle effect' as primary mechanisms for antifungal resistance in Indian isolates.

Facts for Prelims

S&TCandida auris: A fungal pathogen with a reported 30-40% mortality rate.
FactOver 90% of Indian C. auris isolates are resistant to azole-based antifungals.
S&TEagle effect: Identified as a mechanism for antifungal resistance in C. auris.
BodyJNCASR: Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research.

Prelims practice question

With reference to Candida auris and antifungal resistance, consider the following statements:

The mortality rate associated with Candida auris is reported to be between 10-20%.
Over 90% of Indian Candida auris isolates are resistant to azole-based antifungals.
The Eagle effect is identified as a mechanism for antifungal resistance in C. auris.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)1 and 2 only
(c)2 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The study reports a 30-40% mortality rate.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in fungal pathogens and the implications for India's public health infrastructure.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Diagnostic gap: Lack of rapid point-of-care testing for specific fungal species in rural healthcare
Therapeutic limitation: Diminishing efficacy of standard azole-based drugs against multi-drug resistant isolates
Epidemiological risk: High mortality rates in clinical settings due to rapid fungal spread in immunocompromised patients

Keywords: Antimicrobial Resistance · Fungal Pathogens · Public Health · Genetic Mutation · Eagle Effect

Read the full news →Source: The Hindu ↗Also: GS2 · Health policy & public health

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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.