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Published on: November 6, 2019

Malassezia pachydermatis fungaemia in a neonatal intensive care unit

E Chryssanthou1, U Broberger, B Petrini

  • 1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institute and Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|May 3, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A cluster of Malassezia pachydermatis infections occurred in a neonatal intensive care unit. Despite risk factors like catheters and lipid use, the source of these fungaemias remains unclear.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatal Care

Background:

  • Malassezia pachydermatis is a yeast occasionally linked to hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (fungaemias).
  • Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are vulnerable settings for opportunistic infections in preterm infants.

Observation:

  • A cluster of eight cases of M. pachydermatis infection and colonization was observed in an NICU over six months.
  • All affected patients were preterm infants with very low birthweight and significant underlying health issues.
  • Prolonged use of indwelling catheters and parenteral lipid formulations were identified as key predisposing factors.

Findings:

  • All M. pachydermatis isolates demonstrated susceptibility to amphotericin B, fluconazole, and itraconazole.
  • Resistance to flucytosine was noted across all investigated M. pachydermatis strains.
  • Molecular typing using random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) revealed distinct genetic profiles for each blood isolate.

Implications:

  • The distinct genetic profiles suggest independent acquisition or a source not identified by RAPD.
  • The unclear origin of this fungaemia cluster highlights the need for enhanced surveillance and infection control in NICUs.
  • Understanding risk factors and yeast susceptibility is crucial for managing M. pachydermatis in vulnerable neonatal populations.

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