Recurrent catheter-related Rhodotorula rubra infection

A 34-year-old male receiving chronic parenteral nutrition for treatment of short bowel syndrome and intermittent immunosuppressive agents for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis developed recurrent, catheter-associated Rhodotorula rubra fungemia over a one-year period. Infection with this yeast is associated with insertion of central venous catheters. Recurrence of R. rubra infection is an unusual event that presumably occurred because of chronic skin colonization by the organism.