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Recurrent catheter-related Rhodotorula rubra infection

V Lo Re1, N O Fishman, I Nachamkin

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283, USA.

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|November 18, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Recurrent Rhodotorula rubra fungemia, a rare yeast infection, occurred in a patient with short bowel syndrome and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Chronic skin colonization likely caused the repeated catheter-associated bloodstream infections.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology

Background:

  • Parenteral nutrition and immunosuppressive therapy increase risks for opportunistic infections.
  • Catheter-associated bloodstream infections are a significant concern in patients requiring long-term central venous access.
  • Rhodotorula rubra is an emerging fungal pathogen, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Observation:

  • A 34-year-old male with short bowel syndrome and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis experienced recurrent fungemia.
  • The patient received chronic parenteral nutrition and intermittent immunosuppressive agents.
  • Recurrent infections were caused by Rhodotorula rubra, a type of yeast.

Findings:

  • The patient developed catheter-associated Rhodotorula rubra fungemia over a one-year period.
  • Infection was linked to the use of central venous catheters.
  • Chronic skin colonization by Rhodotorula rubra was presumed to be the cause of recurrent infections.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for chronic skin colonization to lead to recurrent fungemia in susceptible patients.
  • Understanding the pathogenesis of Rhodotorula rubra infections is crucial for effective management.
  • Preventive strategies targeting skin colonization may be necessary for patients at high risk.

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