Abstract

Geotrichum candidum is an emerging opportunistic fungal pathogen of significant medical and veterinary importance. The fungus is widely distributed in nature and is commonly isolated from soil, water, air, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and the digestive tract of humans and animals. Although it may occur as a commensal organism, G. candidum can cause severe infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus, leukemia, AIDS/HIV, neoplasms, or organ transplantation. The pathogen has been associated with a wide range of clinical manifestations including oral, pulmonary, cutaneous, urinary, gastrointestinal, vaginal, ocular, and disseminated infections in humans as well as dermatitis, mastitis, abortion, and enteritis in animals. Laboratory diagnosis mainly relies on direct microscopy, fungal culture, and histopathological examination. Several antifungal agents such as amphotericin B, voriconazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole have been used for treatment. The present communication highlights the epidemiology, clinical significance, diagnosis, and therapeutic approaches of G. candidum infections, and emphasizes the need for further studies on its pathogenesis, virulence, and molecular diagnosis.

Keywords

geotrichum candidum, geotrichosis, opportunistic fungal infection, diagnosis, antifungal therapy, emerging pathogen, veterinary mycology, public health