Wickerhamomyces anomalus Fungemia during Healthcare-Associated Outbreak, Pereira, Colombia, 2025

During March-July 2025, ten cases of Wickerhamomyces anomalus bloodstream infection were identified in Pereira, Colombia, mainly affecting pediatric patients; 9 cases occurred in children (8 neonates and a 5-year-old girl) and 1 case was in an adult. Most neonates were preterm and had multiple underlying conditions, such as congenital anomalies, respiratory complications, and adverse perinatal conditions, often compounded by limited prenatal care and maternal infections. All patients required intensive medical interventions, including central and peripheral venous catheters, mechanical ventilation, parenteral nutrition, and, in some cases, surgical procedures. Broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy was widely used, and antifungal treatment, primarily caspofungin, was initiated in half of cases. Antifungal susceptibility testing demonstrated low MICs for all agents. Short tandem repeat genotyping of 6 isolates indicated clonal transmission, supporting a healthcare-associated outbreak. Despite prolonged hospitalizations and severe clinical conditions, all patients survived, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis, strict infection control, and appropriate antifungal management.