Geotrichum candidum as an Opportunistic Human Pathogen in Cancer Patients and Benign Conditions

Background/Aim: Geotrichosis caused by Geotrichum candidum (G. candidum) is a rarely reported opportunistic infection. Immunocompromised hosts are particularly susceptible to this fungal strain. To shed more light on this opportunistic pathogen and its significance in human disease, we analyzed publicly available data and discussed potential therapies for this fungal strain. Patients and Methods: A systematic online search was conducted, and suitable case reports were retrieved for subsequent retrospective analysis. We eventually selected data on 22 cases for final analysis according to the PRISMA guidelines. To summarize the demographic and clinical variables, descriptive statistical measures were applied. Besides, we contributed one additional case of a leukemia patient with catastrophic G. candidum sepsis from our institution to the data pool. Results: G. candidum mycosis is frequently deadly for patients with cancer. Leukopenia contributes to higher mortality rates in this vulnerable population. Cancer itself as well as hematological malignancies are more common among non-survivors in this explorative analysis [patients with cancer (n=11) vs. others (n=12), p