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Updated: May 3, 2026
12:57
Dissection of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Asci
Published on: May 19, 2009
18.4K
Invasive Saccharomyces infection: a comprehensive review
Adela Enache-Angoulvant1, Christophe Hennequin
1Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Faculte de Medecine Pierre et Marie Curie, Universite Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France.
Summary
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, including the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii, is an emerging fungal pathogen causing invasive infections. Early diagnosis and treatment, including catheter removal and antifungals, improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's/brewer's yeast) is typically a commensal but increasingly recognized as a cause of invasive infections.
- Infections are often linked to the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii, used for diarrheal disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze cases of invasive Saccharomyces infection reported up to May 2005.
- To understand epidemiological and clinical characteristics, and evaluate therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published case reports via Medline query.
- Analysis of epidemiological data, clinical features, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- 92 cases of invasive Saccharomyces infection identified; predisposing factors resemble invasive candidiasis (catheter, antibiotics).
- Saccharomyces boulardii caused 51.3% of fungemias, predominantly in immunocompetent patients with better prognosis.
- Infections are clinically similar to candidiasis; isolates show low antifungal susceptibility, but 62% favorable outcomes with combination therapy and catheter removal.
Conclusions:
- Saccharomyces species are emerging fungal pathogens requiring clinical attention.
- Caution is advised with Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic use due to invasive infection risk.
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