Project description:Kodamaea ohmeri is a rarely occurring yeast that can cause human infections. We describe the whole-genome sequence of a K. ohmeri clinical blood isolate.
Project description:Kodamaea ohmeri is a rare yeast pathogen that has recently emerged as an important cause of fungaemia in immunocompromised patients. In most cases, identification to the species level requires the adoption of new tools, including matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) or DNA sequencing. As K. ohmeri is a teleomorph of Candida guilliermondii var. membranaefaciens and its susceptibility to fluconazole is variable, a rapid and accurate identification of this yeast is important. Echinocandins may be the first choice for empiric therapy for this pathogen. We report the case of a 25-year-old male patient from North China who developed a catheter-related bloodstream infection caused by K. ohmeri. He was treated with caspofungin in hospital. He improved after removal of the central venous catheter and use of caspofungin as therapy. The K. ohmeri strain was identified using a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer and a Vitek 2YST card. Definitive identification was obtained by a sequencing test of the internal transcribed spacer regions of the rDNA. Our patient findings, the first reported in mainland China, highlighted the diagnostic challenges associated with catheter-related bloodstream infection caused by fungi.
Project description:Kodamaea ohmeri is an environmental yeast considered a rare emerging pathogen. In clinical settings, the correct identification of this yeast is relevant because some isolates are associated with resistance to antifungals. There is a lack of available data regarding the geographical distribution, virulence, and drug resistance profile of K. ohmeri. To contribute to the knowledge of this yeast, this study aimed to describe in depth three isolates of K. ohmeri associated with fungemia in Honduras. The identification of the isolates was carried out by sequencing the ribosomal ITS region. In addition, the susceptibility profile to antifungals was determined, and some properties associated with virulence were evaluated (exoenzyme production, biofilm formation, cell adhesion, and invasion). The isolates showed strong protease, phospholipase, and hemolysin activity, in addition to being biofilm producers. Adherence and invasion capacity were evident in the HeLa and Raw 264.7 cell lines, respectively. This study expands the understanding of the underlying biological traits associated with virulence in K. ohmeri, and it is the first report of the detection and identification of K. ohmeri in Honduras as a cause of human infection.
Project description:Background: Kodamaea ohmeri, previously known as Pichia ohmeri or Yamadazyma ohmeri, has been regarded as an emerging human pathogen in recent decades, and has caused various types of infections with high mortality. This study systematically reviewed all the published cases of K. ohmeri infection, aiming to have a better understanding of the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the organism. Methods: All the published literature (as of March 31, 2021) on K. ohmeri, in four databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI, were systematically reviewed to select appropriate studies for summarizing the demographic information, clinical and microbiological characteristics of relevant infections. Results: A total of 51 studies involving 67 patients were included for final analysis, including 49 sporadic cases and two clusters of outbreaks. Neonates and the elderly constituted the majority of patients, and fungemia was the dominant infection type. Comorbidities (like malignancy, diabetes, and rheumatism), invasive operations, previous antibiotic use and prematurity, were commonly described in patients. Gene sequencing and broth microdilution method, were the most reliable way for the identification and antifungal susceptibility testing of K. ohmeri, respectively. Amphotericin B and fluconazole were the commonest antifungal therapies administered. The calculated mortality rates for K. ohmeri infection was higher than that of common candidemia. Conclusion: In this study, we systematically reviewed the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, microbiological features, treatment, and outcomes, of all the published cases on K. ohmeri. Early recognition and increased awareness of K. ohmeri as an emerging human pathogen by clinicians and microbiologists is important for effective management of this organism.
Project description:Kodamaea ohmeri is a relatively rare yeast isolated form clinical specimens, and it is known to be a causative fungus of severe invasive infectious diseases in immunocompromised hosts. Herein, we describe fungemia due to K. ohmeri in a patient with a severe extended burn. The isolate was obtained from not only blood specimens but also skin lesions. We should be aware of risk for fungemia including K. ohmeri in case of severe burn.