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Fungemia With Wickerhamomyces anomalus: A Case Report and Literature Review

Yui Sakai1, Toshibumi Taniguchi2, Yoriko Herai2,3

  • 1Infectious Diseases, Chiba University School of Medicine, Chiba, JPN.

Cureus
|March 6, 2024
PubMed

Insights

This case highlights a rare fungal infection, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, in an elderly patient undergoing cancer treatment. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing fungemia associated with central venous catheters.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis and advanced esophageal cancer can necessitate invasive procedures like central venous catheterization.
  • Central venous access ports are vital for long-term therapies such as chemotherapy and total parenteral nutrition.

Observation:

  • An 84-year-old male patient developed fever and fungemia due to Wickerhamomyces anomalus after central venous port placement.
  • The yeast was identified in blood cultures from the central venous line, indicating a catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Findings:

  • Wickerhamomyces anomalus fungemia is rare, with central venous catheterization and immunocompromised status being significant risk factors.
  • A literature review identified fungemia in 94% of W. anomalus cases, predominantly in pediatric and neonatal populations.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of vigilance for rare fungal pathogens in immunocompromised patients with central venous catheters.
  • Prompt diagnosis, appropriate antifungal therapy (liposomal amphotericin B, fluconazole), and device removal/management are critical for successful outcomes.
Keywords:
candida pelliculosacatheter-related blood stream infectionfungemiahansenula anomalapichia anomalawickerhamomyces anomalus

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