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Emergence of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa among pet animals: a possible public health risk on the move

Summary

Researchers discovered that a fungus called Rhodotorula mucilaginosa is increasingly infecting pet dogs and cats, particularly in their ears and nasal passages. This yeast was previously thought to be harmless but is now recognized as a disease-causing pathogen that shows resistance to many common antifungal medications. The study raises important concerns about the potential transmission of this infection from pets to their human caregivers, suggesting pet owners should be aware of this emerging health risk.

Background

Rhodotorula mucilaginosa is an environmentally ubiquitous yeast originally considered non-pathogenic but has emerged as an opportunistic pathogen in humans and animals over the last fifty years. Most rhodotorulosis cases were linked to immunocompromising events, though recently non-immunocompromised cases have been reported. The study addresses the emerging concern of R. mucilaginosa as a zoonotic threat from pet animals.

Objective

To investigate the existence and coexistence of Rhodotorula spp. in clinically diagnosed infectious cases among pet animals and to characterize the isolates regarding their antifungal susceptibility profiles and potential public health implications.

Results

173 samples (38.5%) showed positive direct microscopic slides of Gram-positive budding yeast cells, with 21 (4.7%) Rhodotorula isolates recovered from nasal passages and ear canal swabs of dogs and cats. All 21 isolates were identified as R. mucilaginosa showing 100% resistance to Fluconazole, Caspofungin, and Micafungin; 95% resistance to Voriconazole; and 9.5% resistance to Flucytosine.

Conclusion

This study represents the first comprehensive elucidation of R. mucilaginosa emergence among pet animals, highlighting its role in polymicrobial infections and potential public health risks. The findings underscore the urgent need for greater awareness-raising initiatives, research on pathogenesis, epidemiological tracing, and development of efficient therapeutic protocols for this neglected zoonotic pathogen.
  • Published in:BMC Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Observational Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40329162, DOI: 10.1186/s12866-025-03894-9
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