CANDIDA kefyr, a yeast species historically considered a rare human pathogen, is now being identified as an emerging cause of invasive fungal infections in solid organ transplant recipients, according to a recent case report and literature review. The findings highlight the organism’s potential to cause severe disease in immunocompromised patients and underscore the importance of early recognition and targeted antifungal therapy.
The reported case involved a transplant patient who developed a bloodstream infection with Candida kefyr. This organism, though infrequently encountered, demonstrated the ability to cause invasive disease in the context of post-transplant immunosuppression. Diagnosis was confirmed via blood culture, and antifungal susceptibility testing guided effective treatment.
The authors noted that Candida kefyr infections, while uncommon, may be underdiagnosed due to their rarity and potential for misidentification with other Candida species. Previous literature suggests that this yeast is capable of causing systemic infection, particularly in patients with compromised immune function, central venous catheters, or prolonged hospitalization.
Management typically involves prompt antifungal therapy guided by susceptibility testing, along with removal of infected lines or devices where applicable. In the presented case, targeted treatment led to resolution of infection, emphasizing the benefit of early, species-specific intervention.
The literature review included in the study reveals that Candida kefyr infections have been documented in various immunosuppressed populations, including hematologic malignancy patients and those receiving intensive care. Although still rare compared to Candida albicans or Candida glabrata, its appearance in transplant recipients raises concerns about changing epidemiology and the need for heightened clinical vigilance.
Given the increasing complexity of immunosuppressive regimens and the growing population of solid organ and stem cell transplant recipients, the authors stress the value of accurate fungal identification, careful susceptibility testing, and tailored antifungal therapy to improve patient outcomes.
Reference:
Nadir Y et al. Candida kefyr as an emerging cause of invasive fungal infection in transplant patients: Case report and literature review. Case Reports Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2025;113(4):117052.
