Brief
Abu Dhabi lab isolates rare Candida auris Clade VI from wastewater
The detection, confirmed by whole‑genome sequencing, marks the first regional report of this clade and underscores wastewater monitoring as a tool for tracking drug‑resistant pathogens.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Scientists at the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council’s Central Testing Laboratory, working with AI partner M42, have isolated a rare genetic clade of the antifungal‑resistant fungus Candida auris from the emirate’s wastewater, the lab said on 13 October 2026.
What happened
The Reference and Surveillance Intelligence Department (Rasid) screened more than 23,000 wastewater samples collected systematically across Abu Dhabi. Using laboratory isolation, whole‑genome sequencing, phylogenetic analysis and antifungal susceptibility testing, the team confirmed the presence of Candida auris Clade VI, a clade not previously reported in the region.
What the reports add
The Khaleej Times article notes that the study, published in Communications Medicine (Nature Portfolio), is the first known regional detection of Clade VI through environmental surveillance rather than merely detecting genetic traces. It also details the methodology, including the identification of genetic markers linked to resistance against several antifungal agents.
What was said
Samara Bin Salem, Director of Rasid, said the achievement demonstrates how environmental surveillance can capture emerging health indicators and drug‑resistance patterns, allowing them to be studied and assessed. She explained that combining laboratory isolation, whole‑genome sequencing and susceptibility testing enabled the precise identification of Clade VI and its resistance profile.
How it came about
The detection builds on Abu Dhabi’s broader push for advanced health monitoring and livability, as highlighted in earlier Felo News coverage of the emirate’s vision for a liveable city and its investment in cutting‑edge infrastructure projects. The wastewater surveillance system, part of an early‑warning network, complements clinical surveillance by providing a complementary source of data on pathogens and antimicrobial‑resistance trends.
Key facts
- More than 23,000 wastewater samples were screened to detect Candida auris. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Researchers isolated and confirmed Candida auris Clade VI using whole‑genome sequencing. (khaleejtimes.com)
- The study was published in Communications Medicine, part of the Nature Portfolio. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Samara Bin Salem is Director of Rasid and commented on the scientific value of the finding. (khaleejtimes.com)
Sources
- [1] khaleejtimes.com — originally reported as “Rare fungus found in Abu Dhabi wastewater resistant to many anti-fungal agents”
