Infection of an intravenous port system with Metschnikowia pulcherrima Pitt et Miller

A patient with short bowel syndrome as a consequence of multiple intestinal resections for Crohn's disease, had a port system implanted to improve her nutritional status. One year later she presented with fever, weakness and nighttime sweating. Metschnikowia pulcherrima Pitt et Miller was grown in b lood cultures from the port system. After antifungal chemotherapy using flu conazole and removal of the implant, the patient's condition improved marke dly and her fever and sweating disappeared. We conclude that Metschnikowia pulcherrima can turn into a human pathogen in patients with indwelling cath eters for parenteral nutrition. Chemotherapy with fluconazole and, whenever possible, removal of the implant, appear to be adequate treatment.