Candida kefyr as a cause of bloodstream infection and adjunctive role of biomarkers in its diagnosis

Abstract

A rare case of bloodstream infection caused by Candida kefyr is described. The diagnosis was established by repeatedly isolating the yeast in blood cultures and by detecting C. kefyr-specific DNA in serum samples. Demonstration of elevated serum levels of β-D-glucan and Candida mannan also provided additional diagnostic evidence. The identity of the isolates was confirmed by PCR sequencing of the ITS region of rDNA. This is the first report of C. kefyr candidemia from Kuwait and the Middle East. The report highlights emerging clinical significance of rare Candida spp. in etiology of candidemia and reinforces the adjunctive role of biomarkers in diagnosis.

Keywords: Candida DNA; Candida kefyr; Candida mannan; DNA de Candida; Koweit; Kuwait; Mannane de Candida; β-D-glucan; β-D-glucane.