Kodamaea ohmeri infections in humans: A systematic review

Abstract

Summary Background Kodamaea ohmeri, previously known as Pichia ohmeri or Yamadazyma ohmeri, belongs to the Saccharomycetaceae family and the Ascomycetae class, is the telomorphic form of C guilliermondii var. membranaefaciens and is frequently mistaken for Candida, as they belong to the same family. It has been isolated from environmental sources, such as sand, pools, seawater and fruits, while the last decades it is recognised as a rare pathogen that causes life‐threatening infections in humans. The purpose of this study was to systemically review all published cases of K ohmeri infections in the literature and describe the epidemiology, microbiology, antimicrobial susceptibility, treatment and outcomes of these infections in humans. Methods Systematic review of PubMed (through 27th December 2019) for studies providing epidemiological, clinical, microbiological as well as treatment data and outcomes of K ohmeri infections. Results A total of 35 studies, containing data of 44 patients, were included in the analysis. The most common K ohmeri infections were those of the bloodstream, infective endocarditis and onychomycosis. Previous antibiotic use, presence of a central venous catheter, parenteral nutrition and cancer were very common among patients. Mortality was high in the case of fungemias but low for other types of infections. Amphotericin B and fluconazole are the most common agents used for treatment, even though alarming MICs for fluconazole were noted. Conclusions This systematic review thoroughly describes infections by K ohmeri and provides information on their epidemiology, clinical presentation, microbiology, antibiotic resistance patterns, treatment and outcomes.

Kodamaea ohmeri as an Emerging Human Pathogen: A Review and Update

“…In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of K. ohmeri infections, with high mortality rates, and various invasive infections have been reported worldwide. Therefore, this emerging human pathogen has aroused widespread concern in the field of microbiology and infection, and a systematic review summarizing the clinical and microbiological characteristics of some sporadic K. ohmeri infections in humans was published last year (Ioannou and Papakitsou, 2020). However, inclusion of information on nosocomial outbreaks due to K. ohmeri deserves attention especially in a hospital setting, hence this review.…”

A case report of fungemia due to <em>Kodamea ohmeri</em>

“…6 K. ohmeri has been isolated from environmental sources such as sand, pools, sea water and fruits. 2 The first case of human infection was reported in 1998, and the pathogen, isolated from pleural fluid, was considered a contaminant. 7 Since then, more infections with this yeast have been reported considering it a true clinical pathogen, especially in patients with underlying immunosuppression.…”

“…8 K. ohmeri can cause fungemia, infective endocarditis, cellulitis, onychomycosis, funguria and peritonitis in neonates and children, immunocompromised adults and less frequently in immunocompetent adults. 2,3,9 Previous antibiotic use, presence of a central venous catheter, parenteral nutrition, chronic renal failure, and cancer were very common among patients. Mortality was high in the case of fungemia but low for other types of infections.…”

“…Mortality was high in the case of fungemia but low for other types of infections. 2,8,9 This patient had diabetes, was on a broad-spectrum of antibiotics, and had a central venous catheter. He could have been infected by K. ohmeri through the indwelling central venous catheter, which led to sepsis.…”

“…It is a yeast like fungus, frequently misidentified as Candida as they both belong to the same family. 1,2 Recent studies have shown that this micro-organism can cause life-threatening infections in humans, usually in patients with significant predisposing factors such as diabetes, malignancy, post-chemotherapy neutropenia, immunosuppressive treatments, chronic renal failure and use of indwelling catheters. 2,3,4 Here, we report a case of K. ohmeri fungemia leading to sepsis.…”