Endocarditis caused by Rhodotorula successfully treated with 5-fluorocytosine

A 7-year-old boy suffering from aortic regurgitation and mitral stenosis and regurgitation was admitted with endocarditis caused by Rhodotorula pilimanae and was treated successfully with orally administered antifungal agent, namely 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC). A dose of 100 mg per kg body weight, divided into four equal parts, was prescribed. After a prolonged febrile period his temperature dropped to normal on the fourth day of 5-FC therapy. Review of the published reports disclosed few cases of endocarditis due to Rhodotorula spp. and this case seems to be the first treated with 5-FC. Follow-up in one year, after discharge from the hospital, revealed no evidence of relapse.