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Scanning electron microscopy of Malassezia furfur attachment to Broviac catheters
Abstract:
Malassezia furfur has been increasingly associated with Broviac-catheter-related sepsis in infants receiving fat emulsions for parenteral alimentation. We examined by scanning electron microscopy the appearance of M. furfur attached to Broviac catheter segments mock-infected in vitro and to Broviac catheters removed from two infants with catheter-related sepsis. In vitro attachment occurred equally on external and internal surfaces of the catheters. Although some organisms were attached next to surface defects in the catheters, we could not determine if such defects were preferential sites of attachment. In the patient catheters, a dense coating of yeast cells was found adhering to the luminal surface, most abundantly near the tip. No organisms were seen on the external surface of the catheters. These findings show the need to examine the mechanisms of intraluminal catheter colonization in order to understand better the pathogenesis of M. furfur infections.
Insights
Malassezia furfur yeast can infect Broviac catheters in infants receiving parenteral nutrition. Yeast primarily colonizes the catheter
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Malassezia furfur is increasingly linked to Broviac-catheter-related sepsis in infants.
- Parenteral nutrition, particularly fat emulsions, is common in these infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the attachment patterns of Malassezia furfur on Broviac catheters.
- To compare in vitro and in vivo catheter colonization by M. furfur.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used.
- Analysis of mock-infected in vitro catheter segments.
- Examination of Broviac catheters from infants with sepsis.
Main Results:
- In vitro, M. furfur attached equally to internal and external catheter surfaces.
- In patient catheters, dense yeast colonization was observed on the luminal surface, especially near the tip.
- No M. furfur was found on the external surfaces of patient catheters.
Conclusions:
- Malassezia furfur exhibits distinct colonization patterns on Broviac catheters in vivo versus in vitro.
- Further research into intraluminal catheter colonization mechanisms is crucial for understanding M. furfur infections.
