Fungal Infection Caused by Geotrichum capitatum in a Severe Aplastic Anemia Patient: a Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal infections often occur in immunocompromised patients. Here, we report an infection case caused by Geotrichum capitatum in a severe aplastic anemia patient.

METHODS: Identification of the pathogenic bacteria was done by sequencing and mass spectrometric analysis.

RESULTS: The fungal infection was isolated from blood cultures. The pathogenic bacteria were identified as Geotrichum capitatum. The infection was primarily cured by voriconazole and caspofungin monotherapy. However, the effect was not obvious. Then a combination of liposomal amphotericin B and caspofungin was used. Body temperature of the patient decreased, and clinical symptoms improved.

CONCLUSIONS: Sequencing and mass spectrometric analysis could have a role for Geotrichum capitatum diagnosis. Curative effect of using a single antifungal drug was unsatisfactory. Using liposome amphotericin B combined with caspofungin might obtain certain curative effect. Early diagnosis and appropriate combined therapy were necessary to improve the outcome of patients with Geotrichum capitatum infection.