Geotrichosis is a mycosis caused by Geotrichum candidum. : 311

Human colonization and disease
Geotrichum candidum is also a frequent member of the human microbiome, notably associated with skin, sputum and feces where it occurs in 25-30% of specimens. The fungus can cause an infection known as geotrichosis, affecting the oral, bronchial, skin and bronchopulmonary epithelia. The inoculum may arise from endogenous or exogenous sources.In 1847 Bennett described Geotrichum candidum causing a superinfection in the tuberculous cavity. Bennett was able to differentiate infection by Geotrichum candidum from candidiasis, and diagnose the first case of geotrichosis. Other early medical case reports in 1916 and 1928 also described lung infections. Most cases affect the bronchopulmonary tree, although other sites can be involved, such as oral mucosa and vagina. Skin and gut infections are also known. Reported cases of geotrichosis have been characterized with symptoms of chronic or acute bronchitis. Exogenous geotrichosis may arise from contact with contaminated soil, fruits or dairy products. Pulmonary geotrichosis is the most frequent form of geotrichosis. The symptoms appear to be secondary symptoms of tuberculosis. This includes symptoms such as light, thick, grey sputum, which in some cases may be blood-tinged. Patients often have a cough that produces clear or yellow sputum. Another symptom of pulmonary geotrichosis includes fine to medium rales. Patients may develop fever, rapid pulse and leukocytosis. The condition appears chronic with the presence of a little debilitation and fever. There is no chest pain and occasional wheezing can occur.
The results of an x-ray examination of pulmonary geotrichosis presents smooth, dense patchy infiltrations and some cavities. Bronchial geotrichosis shows peribronchial thickening with fine mottling may be present on middle or basilar pulmonary fields. Bronchial geotrichosis usually present itself as non-specific diffuse peribronchical infiltration. Treatment
Geotrichosis generally has a good prognosis and patients generally have successful recovery. However, there is not a standard treatment for geotrichosis. There are several types of antimicrobial or antifungal compounds that can be used for geotrichosis treatment. Another method of treatment involves symptomatic care, bed rest, iodine therapy, aerosol nystatin and amphotericin B. Azole drugs including isoconazole and clotrimazole are used for geotrichosis treatment. Associated treatment for pulmonary geotrichosis includes the use of potassium iodide, sulfonamides or colistin. The associated asthma can be treated with desensitization and prednisolone. Amphotericin B, clotrimazole and S-fluorocytosine have become more susceptible to G. candidum. Antimycotic resistance can appear due to repeated treatment. References


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