Geotrichosis: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Geotrichosis
| image          = [[File:Geotrichosis_Case_151.jpg|left|thumb|Geotrichosis skin lesion]]
| caption        = Skin lesion caused by ''[[Geotrichum]]'' species
| field          = [[Infectious disease]]
| synonyms        = Geotrichum infection
| symptoms        = [[Skin lesions]], [[oral thrush]], [[bronchitis]], [[pneumonia]]
| complications  = [[Systemic infection]]
| onset          = Variable, depending on immune status
| duration        = Chronic or acute
| causes          = ''[[Geotrichum]]'' species, primarily ''[[Geotrichum candidum]]''
| risks          = [[Immunocompromised]] individuals, [[diabetes]], [[HIV/AIDS]]
| diagnosis      = [[Microscopy]], [[culture]], [[biopsy]]
| differential    = [[Candidiasis]], [[aspergillosis]], [[tuberculosis]]
| prevention      = Avoidance of exposure in high-risk individuals
| treatment      = [[Antifungal]] medications such as [[itraconazole]], [[amphotericin B]]
| prognosis      = Good with treatment, but can be severe in immunocompromised
| frequency      = Rare
}}
{{Short description|A fungal infection caused by ''Geotrichum'' species}}
{{Short description|A fungal infection caused by ''Geotrichum'' species}}
{{Medical condition}}


'''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 system]]s.  
'''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 system]]s.  
==Pathophysiology==
==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.
''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==
==Clinical Manifestations==
Geotrichosis can present in various forms, depending on the site of infection:
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]].
* '''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]].
* '''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.
* '''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]].
* '''Systemic geotrichosis''': Rare but can occur in severely immunocompromised patients, leading to [[sepsis]] and [[organ failure]].
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of geotrichosis involves:
Diagnosis of geotrichosis involves:
* '''Microscopic examination''': Direct examination of clinical specimens using [[potassium hydroxide]] (KOH) preparation can reveal the presence of ''Geotrichum''.
* '''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.
* '''Culture''': Isolation of the fungus on [[Sabouraud dextrose agar]] can confirm the diagnosis.
* '''Histopathology''': Tissue biopsy may show characteristic fungal elements.
* '''Histopathology''': Tissue biopsy may show characteristic fungal elements.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Treatment of geotrichosis depends on the site and severity of the infection:
Treatment of geotrichosis depends on the site and severity of the infection:
* '''Antifungal therapy''': [[Itraconazole]] and [[amphotericin B]] are commonly used antifungal agents.
* '''Antifungal therapy''': [[Itraconazole]] and [[amphotericin B]] are commonly used antifungal agents.
* '''Supportive care''': Management of underlying conditions and supportive care are crucial.
* '''Supportive care''': Management of underlying conditions and supportive care are crucial.
==Prevention==
==Prevention==
Preventive measures include:
Preventive measures include:
* Maintaining good [[hygiene]] and [[sanitation]] practices.
* Maintaining good [[hygiene]] and [[sanitation]] practices.
* Monitoring and managing underlying health conditions.
* Monitoring and managing underlying health conditions.
* Avoiding exposure to environments with high fungal spore concentrations.
* Avoiding exposure to environments with high fungal spore concentrations.
==Prognosis==
==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.
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==
==Related pages==
* [[Fungal infection]]
* [[Fungal infection]]
* [[Opportunistic infection]]
* [[Opportunistic infection]]
* [[Immunocompromised host]]
* [[Immunocompromised host]]
[[File:Geotrichosis_Case_151.jpg|thumb|right|A case of cutaneous geotrichosis showing characteristic skin lesions.]]
[[Category:Fungal diseases]]
[[Category:Fungal diseases]]
[[Category:Opportunistic infections]]
[[Category:Opportunistic infections]]

Latest revision as of 01:46, 7 April 2025

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[edit]

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[edit]

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

Diagnosis[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]