Clinical Significance of Rare Non-Candida Yeasts in Pediatric Fungemia: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND

Fungemia caused by non-Candida yeasts is rare but represents an emerging clinical problem that remains less well recognized and studied. These organisms often exhibit intrinsic resistance or reduced susceptibility to commonly used empirical antifungal agents, such as fluconazole and echinocandins. This poses significant challenges for empirical antifungal therapy.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical characteristics, antifungal treatments, and outcomes of pediatric patients with bloodstream infections due to non-Candida yeasts and to summarize the antifungal susceptibility profiles of available isolates.

METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed all episodes of fungemia caused by non-Candida yeasts at a tertiary pediatric center between 1 January 2020 and 1 September 2025.

RESULTS

Of the 139 yeast-related fungemia episodes identified during the study period, five (3.6%) were caused by non-Candida yeasts: three by Trichosporon spp., one by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and one by Magnusiomyces clavatus (formerly Saprochaete clavatus). Two cases occurred as breakthrough infections under ongoing antifungal treatment. Empirical antifungal treatments most often included amphotericin B, fluconazole, or echinocandins. The median time to species-level identification after the first positive culture result was six days (range 4-7), highlighting a considerable delay that may critically affect clinical management. Overall mortality was 40%, while attributable mortality due to non-Candida fungemia was 20%.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-Candida yeasts, although infrequent, represent clinically important pathogens in pediatric fungemia due to their potential resistance to standard empirical antifungal agents. Early species-level identification and awareness of expected susceptibility patterns are essential to guide appropriate initial therapy and improve outcomes.