Epidemiology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Epidemiology, including details on twin studies, statistics, environmental and genetic factors.

Epidemiology and outcome of Rhodotorula fungemia in a tertiary care hospital.

Lunardi LW, Aquino VR, Zimerman RA, Goldani LZ

Section of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

We reviewed demographic data, risk factors, treatment, and outcomes associated with Rhodotorula fungemia in a tertiary care hospital during 2002-2005. Rhodotorula species caused fungemic episodes in 7 patients during the 4-year period that we studied. The most common predisposing factors were patients with hematological and solid malignancy receiving corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs, the presence of central venous catheters, and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Because of Rhodotorula species's intrinsic resistance to triazole and echinocandin antifungal agents, patients receiving fluconazole and caspofungin might be susceptible to the development of breakthrough Rhodotorula fungemia.

Published 16 August 2006 in Clin Infect Dis, 43(6): e60-3.
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