Rhodotorula fungemia: two cases and a brief review

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Microbiology

Background:

• Rhodotorula species are increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogens.
• Nosocomial fungemia poses a significant threat, particularly in intensive care settings.
• Rhodotorula mucilaginosa is an emerging cause of bloodstream infections.

Observation:

• Two cases of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa fungemia were diagnosed within three months.
• The first case involved a preterm neonate with respiratory failure and sepsis in the neonatal ICU.
• The second case involved an adult female with a history of trauma and surgery, admitted to the medical ICU.

Findings:

• Rhodotorula mucilaginosa fungemia occurred in both a neonate and an adult patient.
• These cases highlight the potential for Rhodotorula to cause severe infections in diverse patient populations.
• The frequency of these cases in a new hospital underscores the growing clinical significance of this yeast.

Implications:

• Accurate identification of Rhodotorula species from blood cultures is essential.
• Antifungal susceptibility testing (MIC testing) is critical for guiding treatment decisions.
• Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for Rhodotorula fungemia in critically ill patients.