Frequency of intravascular catheter colonization by Malassezia sp in adultpatients

Background. The colonization of intravascular catheters with the lipo-depen dant yeast Malassezia is the cause of vascular catheter-associated fungemia in adults receiving intralipids. Patients with hematological malignancies seem to be at risk for this complication as they beneficiate from long- ter m catheters and are often given intralipids. However, the colonization of t he catheters was probably underestimated as the culture media used in routi ne are not favorable for the growth of Malassezia. Aim of the study. To evaluate the frequency of intravascular catheters colo nization with Malassezia in adult patients from a hematology ward and to co mpare with the frequency observed in adults patients hospitalized in intens ive care units. Materials and methods. Prospective study of 100 catheters sent to the micro biology laboratory. The catheters were washed in 1 ml saline. Routine bacte riological media and Malassezia specific media (Dixon and Leeming) were See ded with 200 mul each. Results. Among the 100 catheters studied, 11 were peripheral, did not grow Malassezia, and were excluded from the analysis. On the 89 central lines, 5 (5.6 %) grew Malassezia: 1 out of 48 (2 %) in the hematology ward, and 4 o ust of 52 (8 %) in the intensive care units. Of the four colonized catheter s in ICU, three of them were also colonized with bacteria. None of the five patients with Malassezia positive catheters were given intralipids. Discussion - Conclusion. Colonization of central vascular catheters with Ma lassezia is not negligable and don't bind to intra-lipids prescription. Oth ers Studies are warranted to evaluate the clinical significance of Malassez ia colonization and to know the role of this yeast in the biofilm built-up on the catheter tips.