Pseudozyma aphidis fungemia after abdominal surgery: First adult case

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Microbiology

Background:

• Pseudozyma aphidis is an environmental Basidiomycete yeast implicated in rare invasive infections.
• Pseudozyma species exhibit inherent resistance to caspofungin and reduced susceptibility or resistance to fluconazole.
• Phenotypical identification of P. aphidis can be challenging, leading to potential misidentifications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of invasive Pseudozyma aphidis infection in an adult patient.
• To highlight the clinical presentation and management of this rare fungal infection.
• To underscore the diagnostic difficulties associated with P. aphidis.

Main Methods:

• Case report of an adult patient with metastatic ampulloma and invasive fungal infection.
• Review of clinical data, including patient history, surgical intervention, and diagnostic workup.
• Discussion of the challenges in identifying Pseudozyma aphidis using conventional methods.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with an invasive infection caused by Pseudozyma aphidis.
• The fungus demonstrated intrinsic resistance to caspofungin and potential resistance to fluconazole.
• The case illustrates the difficulty in accurate and timely identification of P. aphidis.

Conclusions:

• Pseudozyma aphidis can cause invasive infections, particularly in immunocompromised or surgically treated patients.
• Antifungal resistance patterns, including to fluconazole, necessitate careful consideration.
• Improved diagnostic strategies are crucial for the recognition and effective treatment of P. aphidis infections.