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Kodamaea ohmeri: A rare yeast causing invasive infections in immunocompromised patients
Parul Singh1, Smriti Srivastava1, Sharin Varma1
1Department of Microbiology, Trauma Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
Introduction:
Kodamaea ohmeri is a rare, recognized pathogen that has previously been isolated from environmental sources. The patients commonly affected by this yeast include immunocompromised as well as immunocompetent patients having several associated risk factors.
Methodology:
We report three cases in which K. ohmeri was isolated from blood using Bact T/ALERT. Identification was carried out by MALDI-TOF MS (Vitek-MS, BioMérieux, Marcy-l'Etoile, France) in addition to color characteristics on chromogenic media. The patients had diminished immune response on account of a multitude of comorbidities.
Results:
K. ohmeri can be misidentified as Candida tropicalis, Candida albicans, or Candida hemolounii by conventional methods; correct and timely identification can be achieved by MALDI-TOF MS. Antifungal susceptibility breakpoints for K. ohmeri are currently not defined. An Echinocandin was added to the treatment regimen of all three of the cases.
Conclusions:
Identification of K. ohmeri using conventional methods is difficult and unusual yeasts should be carefully observed, especially upon prolonged incubation.
Insights
Kodamaea ohmeri is a rare yeast pathogen. Accurate identification using MALDI-TOF MS is crucial, as conventional methods may lead to misidentification, impacting patient treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Kodamaea ohmeri is an infrequently identified yeast pathogen.
- It can infect both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals with risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report three cases of K. ohmeri bloodstream infections.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and the utility of MALDI-TOF MS for accurate identification.
Main Methods:
- Bloodstream infections were detected using Bact T/ALERT.
- Identification was confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS and chromogenic media.
- Patient immune status and comorbidities were assessed.
Main Results:
- MALDI-TOF MS accurately identified K. ohmeri, distinguishing it from similar Candida species.
- Conventional methods risked misidentification.
- Antifungal susceptibility breakpoints for K. ohmeri are not yet established.
- Echinocandin therapy was administered to all patients.
Conclusions:
- Accurate identification of K. ohmeri is challenging with conventional methods.
- MALDI-TOF MS is essential for correct and timely diagnosis.
- Careful observation of unusual yeasts, particularly with extended incubation, is recommended.
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