Epidemiology and outcome of Rhodotorula infection in haematological patients

Mycoses. 2011 Jul;54(4):318-24. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2010.01868.x. Epub 2010 Mar 11.

Abstract

Rhodotorula spp. are emergent opportunistic pathogens, particularly in haematological patients. However, no systematic review of this infection has been undertaken in this high-risk patient group. The aim of this study was to review all reported cases of Rhodotorula infection to determine the epidemiology and outcome of this infection in this high-risk population. The 29 reported cases were fungaemias. The most common underlying haematological disorder was the presence of acute leukaemia (65.5%). Rhodotorula mucilaginosa was the species found more frequently (79.3%). Most cases (58.6%) had several risk factors (≥ 3) simultaneously. The most common predisposing factors were the presence of central venous catheter (CVC, 100%) and neutropenia (62.1%). A substantial number of patients (81.5%) received antifungal treatment with amphotericin B. The overall mortality was higher (13.8%) than that described in non-haematological patients (5.8% in solid-organ neoplasms and 9% in AIDS or other chronic diseases). Patients with acute leukaemia had a higher mortality rate (15.7%) than patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (0%). Our data suggest that patients with acute leukaemia might be managed as high-risk patients and intensive measures might be taken. In addition, it appears that the subgroup of patients without acute leukaemia have a good outcome and might be managed as low-risk patients with a less intensive approach.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Critical Care / methods
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / complications*
  • Humans
  • Mycoses / epidemiology*
  • Mycoses / microbiology
  • Mycoses / mortality
  • Rhodotorula / isolation & purification*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sepsis / epidemiology*
  • Sepsis / microbiology
  • Sepsis / mortality
  • Treatment Outcome