Algaemia with dissemination is a rare condition which often has a delayed diagnosis.
Genus: Prototheca
Species include: P. wickerhamii, P. zoffii
Sources of exposure:
(1) environment
(2) food
(3) animals
Risk factors:
(1) immunosuppressive therapy (transplantation, other)
(2) ALL, CLL or other cancer
(3) other immunocompromising conditions (HIV, other)
In some cases an intravascular catheter may be the portal of entry.
Clinical features:
(1) fever despite broad spectrum antibiotics
(2) physical deterioration
(3) signs of sepsis
Laboratory findings:
(1) can occur as a co-infection with bacteria, yeast or virus
(2) can be isolated from blood cultures on chocolate or nonselective yeast agar
