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Updated: Mar 7, 2026
Assay for Adhesion and Agar Invasion in S. cerevisiae
Published on: November 8, 2006
[Saccharomyces cerevisiae invasive infection: The first reported case in Morocco]
1Laboratoire de microbiologie, centre hospitalier universitaire Mohammed VI d'Oujda, BP 4806, 60049 Oujda, Maroc; Faculté de médecine et de pharmacie, université Mohammed Premier d'Oujda, Oujda, Maroc.
Abstract:
Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a cosmopolitan yeast, widely used in agro-alimentary and pharmaceutical industry. Its impact in human pathology is rare, but maybe still underestimated compared to the real situation. This yeast is currently considered as an emerging and opportunistic pathogen. Risk factors are immunosuppression and intravascular device carrying. Fungemias are the most frequent clinical forms. We report the first case of S. cerevisiae invasive infection described in Morocco, and to propose a review of the literature cases of S. cerevisiae infections described worldwide. A 77-year-old patient, with no notable medical history, who was hospitalized for a upper gastrointestinal stenosis secondary to impassable metastatic gastric tumor. Its history was marked by the onset of septic shock, with S. cerevisiae in his urine and in his blood, with arguments for confirmation of invasion: the presence of several risk factors in the patient, positive direct microbiological examination, abundant and exclusive culture of S. cerevisiae from clinical samples. Species identification was confirmed by the study of biochemical characteristics of the isolated yeast. Confirmation of S. cerevisiae infection requires a clinical suspicion in patients with risk factors, but also a correct microbiological diagnosis.
Insights
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, an opportunistic pathogen, can cause invasive infections, particularly fungemias, in at-risk individuals. This study details a rare case in Morocco and reviews global literature, emphasizing clinical suspicion and accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a common yeast with industrial applications.
- It is increasingly recognized as an emerging opportunistic pathogen in humans.
- Risk factors include immunosuppression and intravascular devices, with fungemia being a frequent clinical manifestation.
Observation:
- A case of invasive Saccharomyces cerevisiae infection in a 77-year-old patient with metastatic gastric cancer and septic shock is presented.
- The patient exhibited S. cerevisiae in both blood and urine, with clinical indicators supporting invasive infection.
- This represents the first reported case of S. cerevisiae invasive infection in Morocco.
Findings:
- Species identification was confirmed through biochemical characterization of the isolated yeast.
- The study reviews worldwide literature cases of S. cerevisiae infections.
- Confirmation of infection relies on clinical suspicion in patients with risk factors and robust microbiological diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for Saccharomyces cerevisiae to cause severe invasive infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Accurate and timely microbiological diagnosis is crucial for effective management of S. cerevisiae infections.
- Increased awareness and vigilance are necessary to address the underestimation of this yeast's pathogenic potential.
