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Published on: November 6, 2020
Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii transient fungemia after intravenous self-inoculation
Lola Cohen1, Stéphane Ranque2, Didier Raoult3
1Hôpital de la Conception, Service de psychiatrie Secteur 2, 147 Boulevard Baille, 13385 Marseille cedex 05, France.
Abstract:
We report the case of a young psychotic intravenous drug user injecting herself with Saccharomyces cervisiae (boulardii). She experienced a 24 h fever, resolving spontaneously confirming, quasi experimentally, the inocuity of this yeast in a non-immunocompromised host.
Insights
Injecting Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardii) yeast, a young psychotic patient experienced a brief fever. This case suggests the yeast is safe for non-immunocompromised individuals, resolving symptoms without intervention.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Case Study
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intravenous drug use poses significant health risks, including infections from non-sterile injections.
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardii) is a yeast commonly used as a probiotic.
- Psychotic individuals may engage in high-risk behaviors, necessitating careful clinical evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the clinical outcome of intravenous self-administration of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardii).
- To assess the safety and host response to yeast inoculation in a non-immunocompromised individual.
- To contribute to the understanding of potential risks associated with non-standard routes of yeast administration.
Main Methods:
- A case report detailing the clinical presentation and progression of a young female intravenous drug user.
- Observation of the patient's symptoms, specifically fever, following self-injection of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardii).
- Spontaneous resolution of symptoms was monitored to infer host response and yeast "inocuity" (harmlessness).
Main Results:
- The patient developed a transient fever lasting 24 hours post-injection.
- The fever resolved spontaneously without any therapeutic intervention.
- No other adverse events or complications were reported during the observation period.
Conclusions:
- The self-injection of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardii) in this non-immunocompromised host resulted in a self-limiting febrile episode.
- The findings suggest that Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardii) may be innocuous when introduced intravenously in a healthy host.
- Further quasi-experimental studies are warranted to confirm the safety profile of intravenous yeast administration.
