Fungemia Due to Saprochaete capitata in a Non-Neutropenic Critically Ill Patient

Cureus. 2023 Dec 27;15(12):e51147. doi: 10.7759/cureus.51147. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Saprochaete capitata is an uncommon yeast species; its impact on non-neutropenic patients appears to be on the rise. We describe a case of S. capitata fungemia in a critically ill end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patient on peritoneal dialysis. The patient presented with mesenteric ischemia and underwent several laparotomies during hospitalization. His hospital stay was complicated as fungemia developed and spread to multiple sites, which resulted in severe complications and ultimately led to fatal outcomes. S. capitata's diagnostic delay is a concern, but matrix-assisted laser desorption/Ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry may help provide accurate identification. Our case highlights the need for prompt diagnosis and tailored antifungal therapy, especially when managing this challenging infection in immunocompromised patients.

Keywords: a case report; antifungal therapy; disseminated fungemia; magnusiomyces capitatus; non-candida yeast; non-neutropenic patient; saprochaete capitata.

Publication types

  • Case Reports