Candidozyma

Candidozyma is a genus of yeasts in the family Metschnikowiaceae. The genus includes Candidozyma auris (widely known as Candida auris in medical and public health literature) and a set of close relatives in the Candidozyma haemuli species complex. Established in 2024 based on genome-scale studies, the genus comprises thirteen species that were previously placed in the catch-all genus Candida but shown through DNA evidence to belong in Metschnikowiaceae. Members reproduce asexually by budding and occur in diverse habitats including flowers, tree bark, and clinical settings, with several species recognized as multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogens causing healthcare-associated infections. The transfer of Candida auris to Candidozyma has sparked debate in the medical community about nomenclature stability, with many clinicians continuing to use the established name pending broader consensus.