Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Brewer's yeast) is a facultative anaerobic budding yeast used since antiquity for baking and producing fermented beverages, bread, wine, and beer. They are ubiquitous and can be a part of the intestinal, vaginal, pharynx, pulmonary tree, and skin floras, particularly in patients with chronic disorders. 1,2 Saccharomyces boulardii is a yeast that is genetically very close or nearly identical to S. cerevisiae and is one of the microorganisms commonly used as a probiotic. 3 It is used to treat Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea and the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in humans. 3,4 It is generally non-pathogenic; however, it may cause fungemia, particularly in immunocompromised patients or children with a history of long-term hospitalization. 1,3,4 The incidence of S. cerevisiae fungemia is unknown. 5 S. cerevisiae fungemia is unusual in previously healthy children, and the leading risk factor is the use of a probiotic or their use by other patients admitted to the same unit in nearby beds. 5 Intravascular catheter and prosthetic valve-related infections were also reported. 3,5,6 Even though probiotic strains are widely considered safe, there are some safety concerns, especially in severely immunocompromised patients, in whom they may cause sepsis. 7 Probiotics are not used to restore the intestinal flora in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) because of the potential to cause fungemia, especially in patients with central venous catheters (CVCs). 5,6 We hereby present the course and successful treatment of a 6-monthold male with S. cerevisiae fungemia due to an unexpected source in our PICU.
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