Candida haemulonii: An emerging opportunistic pathogen in the United States?

• Main Authors: Michael Coles, Kayla Cox, Andrew Chao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2020-01-01
• Series: IDCases
• Subjects: Osteomyelitis; Candida haemulonii; Diabetes; Wound care; Debridement
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214250920302080

Candida species are ubiquitous fungal pathogens that exhibit increasing resistance to anti-fungal agents. Candida haemulonii, a rare subtype, is an emerging and virulent yeast pathogen. Species identification is difficult due to phenotypic similarity to other Candida subtypes, such that there is a high risk of inappropriate antimicrobial administration and worsening of emerging resistance patterns. Candida haemulonii has a proclivity for infection of chronic lower extremity wounds particularly in diabetic patients, as exemplified in our case. This case raises awareness about the necessity for expeditious identification and antimicrobial stewardship directed to a highly resistant emerging pathogen.