Nasal Antisepsis for C. Auris Prevention

This study tests whether applying 10% povidone iodine (a common antiseptic) inside the nose twice daily for up to 5 days can reduce nasal colonization and skin spread of Candida auris, a highly drug-resistant fungus that can cause serious infections in hospitalized patients. C. auris spreads easily in healthcare settings, and decolonization strategies are urgently needed to prevent outbreaks. Eligible participants are hospitalized adults (in long-term acute care or acute care hospitals in the Chicago area) who are already known to carry C. auris in their nose, speak English, and are not allergic to iodine or currently pregnant. Participation involves swabs to confirm C. auris colonization, then random assignment to receive either the nasal iodine treatment or no intranasal treatment, with follow-up swabs taken over the course of the hospital stay. This summary was prepared using AI to help patients understand the study in plain language.