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Geotrichum capitatum respiratory tract infection in a patient with polytrauma

Marina Radic1, Ivana Goic Barisic1, Dorjan Kuscevic2

  • 1Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia.

Le Infezioni in Medicina
|September 24, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Geotrichum capitatum, a rare fungus, caused a fatal opportunistic infection in an immunocompromised patient. This case highlights the importance of recognizing this emerging pathogen in critically ill individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Geotrichum capitatum is an opportunistic fungal pathogen.
  • It primarily affects immunocompromised individuals, especially those with hematological malignancies.
  • Risk factors include broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy and invasive procedures.

Observation:

  • A 72-year-old polytrauma patient in the ICU developed a fever on day 7.
  • Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens identified Geotrichum capitatum.
  • The patient's outcome was fatal before antifungal therapy could be initiated.

Findings:

  • This case underscores Geotrichum capitatum as an emerging fungal pathogen.
  • The patient's clinical course was complicated by polytrauma and intensive care unit stay.
  • Predisposing factors likely contributed to the development of this rare fungal infection.

Implications:

  • Highlights the need for increased awareness of Geotrichum capitatum in critically ill patients.
  • Emphasizes the significance of identifying predisposing factors for opportunistic infections.
  • Suggests the importance of timely fungal diagnostics in immunocompromised patients facing invasive procedures.

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