[Hansenula anomala infection in acute leukemia]

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Hematology

Background:

• Hansenula anomala fungemia is a rare clinical event, with limited reported cases.
• Few cases have occurred in hematological patients, despite common risk factors for fungemia.

Observation:

• Two cases of Hansenula anomala infection in acute leukemia patients are presented.
• One case involved the teleomorphic form, and the other involved the asexual form (Candida pelliculosa).
• Risk factors included sustained chemotherapy, steroid and antibiotic treatments, and a central venous catheter in one patient.

Findings:

• Hansenula anomala can cause significant morbidity and mortality in patients with hematological diseases.
• Despite suggestions of low virulence and high susceptibility to amphotericin B, severe outcomes were observed.

Implications:

• Clinicians should be aware of the potential severity of Hansenula anomala infections in immunocompromised hematology patients.
• This yeast, previously considered low-virulence, poses a significant threat in this vulnerable population.
• Further research into the management of Hansenula anomala in hematological malignancies is warranted.