Cutaneous Infections by Geotrichum spp.

Abstract

Purpose of Review We present the risk factors, clinical presentation, and current recommendations for diagnosing and treating cutaneous infections due to Geotrichum spp. Recent Findings Skin infections caused by Geotrichum spp. are infrequent. G. candidum and G. klebahnii are the only species of the genus responsible for human infections. In immunocompetent patients, these infections occur due to severe trauma or burns, while in immunosuppressed patients, they are mainly a consequence of dissemination. Summary Geotrichum spp. infection is challenging to discriminate with colonization because it is a ubiquitous skin colonizer, in such a way that clinical suspicion is essential to achieve the diagnosis. There are no breakpoints or epidemiological cut-off values to interpret antifungal susceptibility tests. Amphotericin B and voriconazole have been the most widely used antifungals in treatment. Active surveillance studies are required to understand these infections’ characteristics and real burden.