Kazachstania slooffiae Fungemia: A Case Report and Literature Review on an Emerging Opportunistic Pathogen in Humans

Abstract

Background: We report a case of Kazachstania slooffiae fungemia in a 77-year-old immunocompromised male with gastrointestinal abnormalities including achalasia, gastroparesis, and prior esophagectomy. He presented with sepsis, gastric ischemia, and pleural effusion. To date, only 2 prior cases of Kazachstania slooffiae infection have been reported, both involving nonbloodstream infections. Methods: We reviewed the existing literature and compared clinical, diagnostic, and treatment characteristics across all identified cases. Results: Kazachstania slooffiae has been identified in critically ill, immunocompromised patients with gastrointestinal anatomic abnormalities, underlying malignancy, and disease. Diagnosis relies on advanced methods such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and DNA sequencing. Antifungal treatments (caspofungin, fluconazole, micafungin) have resulted in favorable outcomes. Conclusions: This review highlights Kazachstania slooffiae as a rare opportunistic pathogen and provides the first evidence for Kazachstania slooffiae as a bloodstream pathogen in humans. Prompt identification and antifungal therapy are critical for managing infections.