Clinical and microbiological features of infection with Rhodotorula species; experience from Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61529/idjp.v35i2.370Abstract
Background: Rhodotorula species is an emerging cause of invasive fungal infection worldwide; however, data from Pakistan is limited. We analysed clinical and microbiological features of Rhodotorula infection identified at a tertiary care hospital laboratory in Pakistan.
Material and Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, clinical samples yielding Rhodotorula species between 1st January 2010 – 30th March 2024 were retrieved using Integrated Laboratory Management System. Demographic data and relevant clinical findings were evaluated. Categorical variables are reported as frequencies (%) and continuous variables as mean ± SD or median (IQR).
Results: A total of 64 cases were identified, of which 81.25% (n=52) were from invasive sites; blood being the most common i.e., 54.6% (n=35). Minimum Inhibitory Concentration range of amphotericin (n=27) was 0.12–1 mcg/ml; MIC50 and MIC90 were 0.12 mcg/ml and 0.5mcg/ml respectively. Of the nine patients with detailed clinical findings, all isolates were invasive (5: blood, 1: CSF, 1: EVD, 1: ascitic fluid). Of these, five cases were considered significant, three were contamination/colonization and significance of one case could not be ascertained. Only three patients with fungemia received intravenous amphotericin B deoxycholate. The mean duration of treatment was 14.3± 2.8 days, all nine patients were alive at the time of discharge.
Conclusion: Since Rhodotorula species is ubiquitously present in the environment, careful assessment of clinical findings and underlying risk factors is crucial to determine its significance in clinical specimens.
Keywords: Amphotericin B, Beta D Glucan, Fungemia, Pakistan, Rhodotorula
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Copyright (c) 2026 sobia khan, Reaan ahmed, Ashja syed, Joveria Farooqi, faheem naqvi, Naeem aziz, Afia zafar, Erum Khan, Rumina Hasan, Kausar Jabeen
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