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Pichia ohmeri fungemia
M M Bergman1, D Gagnon, G V Doern
1Department of Medicine, Day Kimbal Hospital, Putnam, Connecticut, USA.
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|May 8, 1998
Summary
A rare yeast infection caused by Pichia ohmeri occurred in a patient with multiple comorbidities. Despite treatment, the patient developed acute renal failure and died.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
Background:
- The case involves a patient with a complex medical history including diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, prior renal transplant, and recurrent pancreatitis.
- The patient was transferred from a chronic care facility due to fever and severe epigastric discomfort, receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via a central venous catheter.
Observation:
- During hospitalization, blood cultures revealed pure growth of the yeast Pichia ohmeri.
- The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of a systemic infection.
Findings:
- Pichia ohmeri, a rare cause of fungemia, was identified as the causative agent.
- The patient experienced a decline in renal function, developing acute renal failure.
- Despite aggressive treatment with high-dose amphotericin B, the patient's condition did not improve.
Implications:
- This case highlights Pichia ohmeri as a potential pathogen in immunocompromised or critically ill patients, particularly those with central venous catheters.
- The occurrence of Pichia ohmeri fungemia in a patient with multiple comorbidities underscores the importance of considering rare fungal infections in complex cases.
- The rapid progression to acute renal failure and mortality emphasizes the severity of invasive Pichia ohmeri infections and the challenges in treatment.