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Central venous catheter-associated fungemia due to Rhodotorula spp. --a systematic review

Felipe F Tuon1, Gisele M Duboc de Almeida, Silvia F Costa

  • 1Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, School Of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Cerqueira, Sao Paulo, Brazil. ffbt@pop.com.br

Medical Mycology
|July 27, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Rhodotorula fungemia, a rare infection in immunocompromised patients, is often linked to central venous catheters. Amphotericin B deoxycholate showed effectiveness, while fluconazole resistance was noted.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Rhodotorula spp. are opportunistic pathogens causing severe infections like fungemia, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Central venous catheter-related fungemia by Rhodotorula spp. is an uncommon but serious complication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review literature cases of Rhodotorula spp. central venous catheter-related fungemia.
  • To determine optimal management strategies for this rare infection.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of reported cases of Rhodotorula spp. fungemia.
  • Analysis of patient demographics, underlying conditions, causative species, treatments, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Eighty-eight cases were reviewed, with most patients having underlying conditions, predominantly cancer (78.4%).
  • Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (75%) was the most frequent species. Amphotericin B deoxycholate was the primary treatment, associated with a 9.1% overall mortality.
  • Rhodotorula spp. demonstrated resistance to fluconazole.

Conclusions:

  • Rhodotorula spp. fungemia is a rare but significant infection, particularly in intensive care and immunocompromised patients.
  • Specific antifungal therapy, such as Amphotericin B deoxycholate, may improve survival rates.
  • Fluconazole is ineffective against Rhodotorula spp. due to inherent resistance.

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