| Rhodotorula glutinis | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Basidiomycota |
| Class: | Microbotryomycetes |
| Order: | Sporidiobolales |
| Family: | Sporidiobolaceae |
| Genus: | Rhodotorula |
| Species: | R. glutinis
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| Binomial name | |
| Rhodotorula glutinis (Fresen.) F.C. Harrison (1928)
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| Synonyms | |
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Rhodotorula glutinis is the type species of the genus Rhodotorula, a basidiomycetous genus of pink yeasts which contains 370 species. Heterogeneity of the genus has made its classification difficult with five varieties having been recognized; however, as of 2011, all are considered to represent a single taxon.[1] The fungus is a common colonist of animals, foods and environmental materials. It can cause opportunistic infections, notably blood infection in the setting of significant underlying disease. It has been used industrially in the production of carotenoid pigments and as a biocontrol agent for post-harvest spoilage diseases of fruits.