Infect Chemother.  2013 Sep;45(3):339-342. 10.3947/ic.2013.45.3.339.

Catheter-Associated Rhodotorula mucilaginosa Fungemia in an Immunocompetent Host

• Kim HA
• Hyun M
• Ryu SY

• KMID: 2170435
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2013.45.3.339

Abstract

Rhodotorula species live in the environment, but can also colonize human epithelium, as well as respiratory, and gastrointestinal tracts. Reports of infection, especially in the past 2 decades, have noted increasing numbers of Rhodotorula infections, particularly in immunocompromised hosts, leading it to be considered emerging opportunistic pathogen. The major risk factors for infection were prolonged use of central venous catheters in patients with hematological and solid malignancies who are taking corticosteroids or cytotoxic drugs. Herein, we report a case of catheter-associated fungemia due to R. mucilaginosa in an immunocompetent host. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit with mechanical ventilation for treatment of community-acquired pneumonia. After 10 days, the patient developed new-onset fever confirmed to be a result of catheter-associated blood-stream infection by R. mucilaginosa. It was successfully treated by catheter removal and intravenous amphotericin B.

Keyword

Fungemia; Rhodotorula; Catheter-associated blood-stream infection

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Amphotericin B
Catheters
Central Venous Catheters
Colon
Epithelium
Fever
Fungemia
Gastrointestinal Tract
Humans
Immunocompromised Host
Intensive Care Units
Pneumonia
Respiration, Artificial
Rhodotorula
Risk Factors
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Amphotericin B

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