Saccharomyces cerevisiae infection: an unusual pathogen in the ICU

Rev Bras Ter Intensiva. 2011 Mar;23(1):108-11.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

A case of a mixed fungal yeast infection involving Saccharomyces cerevisiae - well known for its use in the bread and wine industries - and Candida albicans, is described in an intensive care unit patient. Mortality due to mixed fungal infections in the intensive care unit is high. An elderly smoker patient with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease and untreated bladder neoplasm was admitted to the hospital with diarrhea and progressed to septic shock. The above-mentioned yeasts were identified in blood cultures. This case with fatal outcome provides an opportunity to discuss one of the emergent germs found in the intensive care unit, in a case with an atypical presentation.