For Release:  March 27, 2017

EPA is announcing the availability of two new test methods and associated testing guidance for evaluating the effectiveness of antimicrobial pesticides against Candida auris (C. auris).  

C. auris is a fungus that poses a global health threat and often causes serious and sometimes fatal fungal infections. C. auris infections tend to occur in hospitalized patients and can be resistant to antifungal drugs. In a recent clinical alert to healthcare facilities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends thorough daily cleaning and after-discharge cleaning of rooms with C. auris patients using EPA-registered hospital disinfectants with Clostridium difficile claims. View information from CDC on C. auris.

EPA is responsible for regulating hospital disinfectants and other antimicrobial pesticides used in healthcare facilities. The registrant of an antimicrobial with a public health claim is required to submit efficacy data to EPA in support of the product’s registration, but there is currently no antimicrobial pesticide registered specifically for use against C. auris. EPA is providing the test methods and guidance for developing efficacy data against C. auris.

 View the EPA guidance on efficacy evaluation for pesticide product claims against C. auris.