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Meningitis caused by Rhodotorula rubra in an HIV-infected patient
O H Gyaurgieva1, T S Bogomolova, G I Gorshkova
1Centre for Deep Mycoses of Medical Academy for Postgraduate Training, St Petersburg, Russia.
Summary
This study reports the first case of Rhodotorula meningitis in an HIV-infected patient. Antifungal treatment with 5-fluorocytosine and itraconazole successfully eradicated the rare fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- HIV/AIDS Research
Background:
- Rhodotorula species are yeasts rarely associated with human infections.
- Meningitis caused by Rhodotorula species in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is previously unreported.
- This study focuses on a specific case and reviews medically important Rhodotorula species.
Observation:
- A case of meningitis caused by Rhodotorula rubra in an HIV-infected patient is presented.
- Diagnosis was confirmed by isolating Rhodotorula rubra from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- Clinical presentation included gradual onset over months, severe headache, and high body temperature without meninx damage.
Findings:
- Initial treatment with 5-fluorocytosine for 15 days cleared the yeast from CSF.
- Meningitis relapsed eight months later with Rhodotorula rubra.
- Suppressive and maintenance therapy with itraconazole successfully eradicated the infection.
Implications:
- This case highlights Rhodotorula species as a potential cause of meningitis in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with HIV.
- Effective antifungal treatment strategies involving 5-fluorocytosine and itraconazole are demonstrated.
- Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of Rhodotorula infections in HIV patients.