Fungus – Geotrichosis

Geotrichosis is a fungal infection that I encounter in my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology offices.  Geotrichum candidumis the fungus which causes Geotrichosis and is normally found as part of the natural flora in milk, fruit, vegetables and soil.  It is used as a maturing agent in cheese manufacturing.  Geotrichosis is usually only seen in immunocompromised patients where it causes a mucocutaneous disease very similar to Candidial thrush (see blog entry Fungus – Candidiasis).  It can become disseminated and infect the gastrointestinal tract and pulmonary system.  Diagnosis of Geotrichosis is through KOH microscopic examination in which the hyphae appear as chains of rectangular cells or through fungal culture.  Treatment of mucocutaneous Geotrichosis can be achieved through oral Nystatin suspensions that can be swished in the mouth and spat out.  Disseminated disease requires a systemic antifungal agent such as Amphotericin B or Itraconazole.