Catheter-related bloodstream infection caused by Kodamaea ohmeri in China

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Kodamaea ohmeri is an emerging yeast pathogen causing fungemia, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
• Accurate species-level identification is challenging and often requires advanced techniques like MALDI-TOF-MS or DNA sequencing.
• Variable susceptibility to fluconazole necessitates reliable diagnostics for appropriate antifungal selection.

Observation:

• A case of catheter-related bloodstream infection caused by K. ohmeri in a 25-year-old male in North China is presented.
• The patient received caspofungin and experienced improvement after central venous catheter removal.
• Identification was achieved using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and Vitek 2YST, with confirmation via rDNA sequencing.

Findings:

• This case highlights the diagnostic difficulties in identifying K. ohmeri, especially in catheter-related bloodstream infections.
• The study confirms the utility of MALDI-TOF MS and DNA sequencing for accurate yeast identification.
• Echinocandins, such as caspofungin, demonstrate efficacy in treating K. ohmeri fungemia.

Implications:

• Early and precise identification of K. ohmeri is vital for effective treatment strategies.
• This report underscores the importance of considering rare fungal pathogens in bloodstream infections among vulnerable patient populations.
• The findings contribute to understanding the clinical presentation and management of K. ohmeri infections in mainland China.