Malassezia (formely Pityrosporum) species can infect central venous catheters, which may be followed by sepsis.
Risk factors for infection:
(1) low birth-weight infant
(2) long-term placement (> 2 weeks) of central line for hyperalimentation with lipid emulsion
(3) prolonged antibiotic therapy
(4) immunocompromise
Presentation may include:
(1) clinical sepsis
(2) occlusion of the intravascular catheter
(3) infection around the catheter entrance site
Diagnosis can be made by demonstrating the organism:
(1) in blood cultures
(2) from catheter tip
(3) from the hub
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases, Dermatology
