Geotrichum is a genus of fungi found worldwide in soil, water, air, and sewage, as well as in plants, cereals, and dairy products; it is also commonly found in normal human flora and is isolated from sputum and feces. It was first described in 1809 by Johann Heinrich Friedrich Link.[1]
The genus Geotrichum includes several species. The most clinical relevant is Saprochaeta capitata, formerly known as Geotrichum capitatum, with most cases occurring in Europe.[2][3]
Saprochaete clavata, formerly known as Geotrichum clavatum, is an uncommon infection that has been associated with sporadic outbreaks.[4] Geotrichum candidum is closely related to Saprochaeta sp., rarely isolated but may cause invasive and disseminated disease with high mortality Yeast-like and mold-like strains have been identified.[5]
The most important risk factor for invasive fungal infection related to Geotrichum is severe immunosuppression, especially in hematological malignancies as acute leukemia, associated with profound and prolonged neutropenia.[2][6]
Fungemia is very common, often with deep organ involvement (lung, liver, spleen, and central nervous system) and also skin and mucous membranes lesions.[7] There is no optimal treatment for Geotrichum infections but based on existing data guidelines recommend amphotericin B with or without co administered flucytosine or with voriconazole showing good in vitro susceptibility.
Mortality associated with Geotrichum-related infections is high, ranging from 57% to 80%.[8]
Increasing the knowledge on Geotrichum related invasive fungal infections may improve early diagnosis and adequate treatment of these severe infections.