Saccharomyces cerevisiae fungemia: Risk factors, outcome and links with S. boulardii-containing probiotic administration

Infect Dis Now. 2021 May;51(3):293-295. doi: 10.1016/j.idnow.2020.12.003. Epub 2020 Dec 31.

Abstract

Saccharomyces cerevisiae fungemia: risk factors, outcome and links with S. boulardii-containing probiotic administration.

Objective: The aim of our study was to review cases of S. cerevisiae fungemia along with the corresponding risk factors (including S. boulardii probiotic intake), treatment and outcomes.

Patients and methods: Retrospective study (2005-2017) of S. cerevisiae fungemia. All the data were extracted from medical files.

Results: We identified 10 patients with S. cerevisiae fungemia. Mean age was 59.4 years (range 21-88). Four fifths (80%) were on total parenteral or enteral nutrition, 70% had a central venous line, and 30% were admitted in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). S. boulardii-containing probiotic prescription was identified in 6 subjects. Three patients with no risk factors such as ICU or central venous catheter were 80 years old or more. Mortality rate was 50%.

Conclusion: S. cerevisiae fungemia is a rare but life-threatening infection, associated with intake of probiotics containing S. boulardii. Besides classical risk factors, older age should be a contraindication for these probiotics.

Keywords: Fungemia; Probiotics; Saccharomyces boulardii.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Enteral Nutrition / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Fungemia / drug therapy*
  • Fungemia / microbiology*
  • Fungemia / mortality
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parenteral Nutrition / adverse effects
  • Probiotics / administration & dosage
  • Probiotics / adverse effects*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Saccharomyces boulardii / isolation & purification
  • Saccharomyces boulardii / pathogenicity*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / isolation & purification
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / pathogenicity*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents