Hansenula anomala fungemia

Fungi of the genus Hansenula have rarely been reported as pathogenic in humans. A case of catheter-related Hansenula anomala fungemia in a patient with acute leukemia in remission is presented, and the clinical features of 11 additional patients infected with Hansenula species are reviewed. The spectrum of disease with these organisms ranges from asymptomatic fungemia to life-threatening disseminated infection. Predisposing factors appear to be immunosuppression, use of intravenous devices, and previous treatment with antibacterial drugs. Clinical experience and limited in vitro susceptibility data show that amphotericin B remains the drug of choice in the treatment of hansenula infections.