Rhodotorula dairenensis fungemia in a patient with cancer

Abstract

Background: Rhodotorula species were traditionally considered non-virulent environmental microorganisms, but are nowadays considered important human pathogens, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Case report: We present the case of a 73 year-old man with diarrhea, anorexia and fever. In the blood analyses, both aerobic blood culture bottles yielded the growth of Rhodotorula dairenensis. The MALDI-TOF MS score was inadequate to provide an identification, which was achieved by means of molecular techniques. Treatment with an echinocandin was started, but the patient died.

Conclusions: Basidiomycetous yeast genera such as Rhodotorula can cause invasive and severe infections, e.g., fungemia, especially in patients with central venous catheter or another indwelling device.

Keywords: Catéter venoso; Diagnóstico molecular; Fungemia; Molecular diagnosis; Rhodotorula dairenensis; Venous catheter.