Phonetic: Row-doh-tore-rule-uh

Rhodotorula is a widespread yeast in the family Cryptococcaceae. It is commonly found in moist environments and has been isolated from carpeting, cooling coils and drain pans, seawater, marine life, beer, flowers, dairy products, and various kinds of organic debris. It may also colonize plants, humans, and animals. Rhodotorula rarely causes infections, but some reports indicate that it may invade and multiply in organs of patients with chronic debilitating diseases in the terminal stages causing fungemia, peritonitis, endocarditis, endophthalmitis, central venous catheter-infections, sepsis, ventriculitis, and meningitis. Fungemia is the most frequently found in patients. This yeast has also been reported to allergenic. The colonies are yeast-like, developing rapidly at 37°C, coral-red, pink or salmon in color. Rhodotorula differs from Cryptococcus by not being able to assimilate inositol; and from Candida by producing pinkish to reddish colonies and lacking pseudohyphae. (A_w-0.91) Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 37°C, 7 – 10 days.