Prototheca Algaemia: a Rare but Fatal Opportunistic Infection among Immunocompromised Individuals

Abstract

Infections due to Prototheca spp. are ubiquitous in nature, occurring in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. The study cohort consisted of 14 cases of Prototheca algaemia reported over the past 5 decades and 2 recent cases from study hospitals. Prototheca wickerhamii was the most common species. The overall mortality rate was 62.5%. Prototheca algaemia, a healthcare-associated infection, was observed in immunocompromised patients and was associated with a poor prognosis.