Central venous catheter infection associated with Pseudozyma aphidis in a child with short gut syndrome

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Microbiology

Background:

• Pseudozyma aphidis is a heterobasidiomycetous yeast.
• This yeast is typically isolated from plant sources.
• Clinical infections are rare, making P. aphidis an uncommon pathogen.

Observation:

• A pediatric patient developed fungemia associated with a central venous catheter (CVC).
• The causative agent was identified as Pseudozyma aphidis.
• This represents a novel clinical presentation for this yeast species.

Findings:

• The case is believed to be the first reported instance of P. aphidis-related CVC fungemia in a pediatric patient.
• Prompt removal of the central venous catheter was a critical intervention.
• Combined antifungal therapy and CVC removal led to a successful clinical outcome.

Implications:

• Highlights the potential for Pseudozyma aphidis to cause opportunistic infections in vulnerable patient populations.
• Emphasizes the importance of considering rare fungal pathogens in catheter-related bloodstream infections.
• Underscores the effectiveness of early diagnosis, CVC management, and appropriate antifungal treatment.