Susceptibility profile of 29 clinical isolates of Rhodotorula spp. and literature review

Objective: In vitro susceptibility results of 29 clinical isolates of Rhodotorula spp. were analysed. In addition, the susceptibility profile of another 102 Rhodotorula isolates was reviewed. Methods: The review included studies using antifungal susceptibility testing reference procedures or commercial methods exhibiting high correlation rates with reference procedures (Etest and Sensititre YeastOne). The 131 organisms analysed were 77 Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, 45 Rhodotorula glutinis and nine Rhodotorula spp. Results and conclusions: Fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole were inactive in vitro against the majority of isolates. Amphotericin B and flucytosine exhibited good activity, being reasonable alternatives for empirical treatment. Ravuconazole was more active in vitro than other azole agents and it could be considered as an extended-spectrum triazole and maybe as a therapeutic alternative in treating infections caused by Rhodotorula species.