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Epidemiology and outcome of Rhodotorula infection in haematological patients
Author(s) -
GarcíaSuárez J.,
GómezHerruz P.,
Cuadros J. A.,
Burgaleta C.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
mycoses
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.13
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1439-0507
pISSN - 0933-7407
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2010.01868.x
Subject(s) - epidemiology , neutropenia , medicine , mortality rate , population , mycosis , amphotericin b , risk factor , acute leukemia , intensive care medicine , surgery , leukemia , chemotherapy , antifungal , dermatology , environmental health
Summary 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.