Geotrichosis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Geotrichosis
Geotrichosis skin lesion
Synonyms	Geotrichum infection
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Skin lesions, oral thrush, bronchitis, pneumonia
Complications	Systemic infection
Onset	Variable, depending on immune status
Duration	Chronic or acute
Types	N/A
Causes	Geotrichum species, primarily Geotrichum candidum
Risks	Immunocompromised individuals, diabetes, HIV/AIDS
Diagnosis	Microscopy, culture, biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Candidiasis, aspergillosis, tuberculosis
Prevention	Avoidance of exposure in high-risk individuals
Treatment	Antifungal medications such as itraconazole, amphotericin B
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with treatment, but can be severe in immunocompromised
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

A fungal infection caused by Geotrichum species

Geotrichosis is a fungal infection caused by the Geotrichum species, primarily Geotrichum candidum. This condition is considered an opportunistic infection, affecting individuals with compromised immune systems.

Pathophysiology

Geotrichum candidum is a saprophytic fungus commonly found in soil, water, air, and as part of the normal microbiota of the human gastrointestinal tract. In immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS, diabetes mellitus, or undergoing chemotherapy, the fungus can become pathogenic.

Clinical Manifestations

Geotrichosis can present in various forms, depending on the site of infection:

• Pulmonary geotrichosis: Resembles tuberculosis or pulmonary candidiasis, with symptoms such as cough, fever, and dyspnea.
• Oral geotrichosis: Appears as white, creamy patches in the oral cavity, similar to oral thrush.
• Cutaneous geotrichosis: Presents as skin lesions, often in individuals with eczema or other skin conditions.
• Systemic geotrichosis: Rare but can occur in severely immunocompromised patients, leading to sepsis and organ failure.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of geotrichosis involves:

• Microscopic examination: Direct examination of clinical specimens using potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation can reveal the presence of Geotrichum.
• Culture: Isolation of the fungus on Sabouraud dextrose agar can confirm the diagnosis.
• Histopathology: Tissue biopsy may show characteristic fungal elements.

Treatment

Treatment of geotrichosis depends on the site and severity of the infection:

• Antifungal therapy: Itraconazole and amphotericin B are commonly used antifungal agents.
• Supportive care: Management of underlying conditions and supportive care are crucial.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Maintaining good hygiene and sanitation practices.
• Monitoring and managing underlying health conditions.
• Avoiding exposure to environments with high fungal spore concentrations.

Prognosis

The prognosis of geotrichosis varies based on the patient's immune status and the promptness of treatment. Immunocompetent individuals generally have a good prognosis, while immunocompromised patients may experience more severe outcomes.

See also

• Fungal infection
• Opportunistic infection
• Immunocompromised host