Outbreak of Wickerhamomyces anomalus (formerly Candida pelliculosa) Bloodstream Infections, Venezuela, 2022-2023¹

During August 2022-December 2023, a total of 110 bloodstream infections caused by Wickerhamomyces anomalus (synonym Candida pelliculosa) were identified across 8 hospitals in 3 cities in Venezuela. Most cases (82/110 in Caracas) occurred in a single pediatric intensive care unit, predominantly among neonates. Molecular genotyping indicated multiple events of clonal transmission, which was supported by epidemiologic clustering of patients. Antifungal susceptibility testing demonstrated good in vitro activity; most isolates were classified as wild-type. Our findings underscore the need for enhanced fungal diagnostics, infection prevention measures, and national surveillance to mitigate hospital-associated fungal transmission in resource-limited settings.