A case of cutaneous Rhodotorula infection mimicking cryptococcosis

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Transplant Medicine

Background:

• Rhodotorula is a yeast found in the environment and as a commensal organism.
• It is an emerging opportunistic pathogen, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
• While clinical Rhodotorula infections are increasing, they are uncommon in solid-organ transplant recipients.

Observation:

• A 59-year-old male renal transplant recipient experienced graft failure.
• The patient subsequently commenced hemodialysis.
• Cutaneous manifestations of Rhodotorula infection were observed.

Findings:

• The patient developed a cutaneous infection.
• The causative agent was identified as Rhodotorula yeast.
• This represents a rare presentation in a solid-organ transplant recipient.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for Rhodotorula to cause rare cutaneous infections in transplant patients.
• It highlights the importance of considering unusual pathogens in immunocompromised hosts.
• Further research may be needed to understand Rhodotorula pathogenesis in transplant recipients.