Saccharomyces cerevisiae fungemia: Risk factors, outcome and links with S. boulardii-containing probiotic administration

Abstract

Saccharomyces cerevisiae fungemia: risk factors, outcome and links with S. boulardii-containing probiotic administration.

Objective: The aim of our study was to review cases of S. cerevisiae fungemia along with the corresponding risk factors (including S. boulardii probiotic intake), treatment and outcomes.

Patients and methods: Retrospective study (2005-2017) of S. cerevisiae fungemia. All the data were extracted from medical files.

Results: We identified 10 patients with S. cerevisiae fungemia. Mean age was 59.4 years (range 21-88). Four fifths (80%) were on total parenteral or enteral nutrition, 70% had a central venous line, and 30% were admitted in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). S. boulardii-containing probiotic prescription was identified in 6 subjects. Three patients with no risk factors such as ICU or central venous catheter were 80 years old or more. Mortality rate was 50%.

Conclusion: S. cerevisiae fungemia is a rare but life-threatening infection, associated with intake of probiotics containing S. boulardii. Besides classical risk factors, older age should be a contraindication for these probiotics.

Keywords: Fungemia; Probiotics; Saccharomyces boulardii.