Geotrichum capitatum septicemia in a hematological malignancy patient with positive galactomannan antigen: case report and review of the literature.

Geotrichum capitatum, formerly known as Trichosporon capitatum, is an uncommon but frequently fatal invasive fungal infection in immunocompromised patients, especially in hematological malignancies. We report a seven-year-old patient with acute myeloid leukemia with Geotrichum septicemia with involvement of the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys, who had a favorable outcome after therapy. Alteration of antifungal treatment to liposomal amphotericin B resolved the fever with favorable clinical response.

Tonsillitis in a weaner pig associated with Geotrichum candidum.

Geotrichum candidum was cultured from the tonsils of a free-ranging weaner pig that was presented with lethargy and inappetence. Histopathology indicated pyogranulomatous tonsillitis with intralesional fungal hyphae and arthrospores. Geotrichosis is a rare, opportunistic mycosis of immunocompromised hosts, usually human beings.

Successful treatment of disseminated Geotrichum capitatum infection with a combination of caspofungin and voriconazole in an immunocompromised patient.

Disseminated Geotrichum capitatum infection is uncommon, and has been reported exclusively in immunocompromised patients. The prognosis is poor with a mortality rate of approximately 50-75%. We report a case of disseminated G. capitatum infection in a severely neutropenic patient who was receiving chemotherapy for acute myeloblastic leukaemia. G. capitatum was isolated from blood cultures, skin lesions, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, throat swabs and stools. The infection was successfully cured with a combination of voriconazole and caspofungin.

Aspergillus galactomannan enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay cross-reactivity caused by invasive Geotrichum capitatum.

We report three cases of invasive Geotrichum capitatum infection in patients with acute leukemia for which an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Aspergillus galactomannan was positive, with no evidence of aspergillosis. Supernatants obtained from suspensions of 17 G. capitatum strains gave positive reactions with the Aspergillus galactomannan ELISA. These clinical and laboratory data seem to suggest that G. capitatum produces a soluble antigen that is cross-reactive with Aspergillus galactomannan.

Duodenal colonization by Geotrichum candidum in a child with transient low serum levels of IgA and IgM.

Fungal colonization was observed in the duodenal biopsy specimens of a nine-year-old girl who complained of anorexia and epigastric pain. Endoscopy revealed gastric redness and Geotrichum candidum was identified in the duodenum by histopathology and tissue culture. Immunologic work-up showed low serum levels of IgA and IgM. She was treated with ranitidine and antacids for gastritis. At follow-up, the levels of immunoglobulins had normalized, no fungal elements were detected, and clinical symptoms had disappeared. Duodenal invasion by G. candidum has not been described so far. Duodenal colonization by G. candidum may occur when mucosal immunity is disturbed and may be the source of dissemination in severe immunodeficiency states.

Factor XIIIa-related antigen immunoreactivity of fungal cell wall: a biologically relevant feature?

BACKGROUND: A positive immunoreactivity of fungal walls for factor XIIIa has been recently described. Factor XIIIa is a transglutaminase involved in the formation of covalent peptide bounds between some specific proteins. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore by experimental approaches the meaning of that immunoreactivity. METHODS: The presence of a factor XIIIa-related antigen (FXIIIa RA) was searched on fungi by using immunohistochemistry. We studied fungi growing on agar plates, stratum corneum, artificial skin as well was in clinical conditions. RESULTS: Our present studies show that the cell wall of some pathogenic fungi express FXIIIa RA immunoreactivity. This was found in clinical infections, as well as in selected in vitro situations including cultures on stratum corneum and on reconstructed skin. CONCLUSION: The distinct intensity and pattern of FXIIIa RA immunoreactivity may suggest a relationship between this biological marker and the pathogenicity of fungi.