ISSN: 2689-7822
Authors: Mahendra Pal*, Rodrigues Paula C, da Silva Ruiz L and Paulos Gutama K
Rhodotoruliosis is an opportunistic emerging mycotic disease that affects both humans and animals. The source of infection is exogenous; and disease can occur in sporadic as well as epidemic form. The disease is caused by Rhodotorula, basidiomycetous yeast that lives as a saprophyte in the environment. Rhodotorula glutinis, R. mucilaginosa (R.rubra), and R. minuta are the most frequently encountered species of Rhodotorula. The species can be isolated from a wide range of sources in nature, including the soil, air, ocean, plants, dairy products, and the household environment. Fungemia, meningitis, ventriculitis, peritonitis, endocarditis, keratitis, endophtalmitis, hydrosalpinx, oral ulcer and lymphadenitis have all been linked to the fungus in humans. It causes skin infections in chicken, sea lion, and cat, lung infection in sheep, epididymitis in dog, and mastitis in cow and buffalo. The organism is an opportunist, taking advantage of immunosuppressive circumstances, indwelling devices, and antibiotic exposure. In order to confirm the diagnosis of rhodotoruliosis, laboratory assistance is required. The direct demonstration of Rhodotorula in the clinical specimens and its isolation in pure and luxuriant growth still considered the gold standard of diagnosis. Amphotericin B or one of its lipid formulations appears to be the medication of choice for treating the patient. The infection due to Rhodotorula especially in immunosuppressed individuals can be life threatening if the treatment is delayed. Prognosis of systemic disease in compromised subject may be grave. Early diagnosis is essential to start specific antifungal therapy of rhodotorulosiosis to prevent serious complications.
Keywords: Animals, Basidiomycetous yeast, Emerging pathogen, Humans, Immunocompromised host, Rhodotorula
