- Source: Rhodosporidiobolus fluvialis
Rhodosporidiobolus fluvialis is a species of fungus in the family Sporidiobolaceae. It is a human fungal pathogen that exhibits resistance to antifungal compounds like fluconazole and caspofungin.
Antifungal resistance
Rhodosporidiobolus fluvialis was isolated from two independent patients. It can proliferate well at 37 °C (99 °F), a temperature similar to the human body's internal temperature. When it is incubated at 37 °C (99 °F), reactive oxygen species accumulate and damage its DNA, which causes mutations that lead to the development of resistance to amphotericin-B.
R. fluvialis colonies can be pigmented due to the accumulation of carotenoids in the cells. Carotenoid production has been associated with its resistance to caspofungin.