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Geotrichosis Due to Magnusiomyces capitatus: A Severe Emerging Invasive Fungal Disease

Summary

A 71-year-old cancer patient receiving chemotherapy developed a severe blood infection caused by a rare fungus called Magnusiomyces capitatus. This emerging fungal infection caused septic shock and multiple organ failure despite treatment with antifungal medications. The case highlights how these rare fungi can be deadly in patients with weakened immune systems and emphasizes the importance of quick, accurate identification using advanced laboratory techniques to guide treatment decisions.

Background

Geotrichosis is a rare opportunistic mycosis caused by emerging yeasts of the genus Magnusiomyces capitatus (formerly Geotrichum capitatum). These fungi are ubiquitous in the environment and part of normal microbiota but can cause severe invasive infections in immunocompromised patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy.

Objective

This case report documents an invasive M. capitatus infection in a neutropenic patient with rectosigmoid cancer undergoing chemotherapy. The study aims to highlight the severity of this emerging mycosis and emphasize the importance of rapid and accurate diagnosis for optimizing patient management.

Results

Microscopic examination revealed arthrospores in urine, catheter, and protected distal specimens. Blood cultures turned positive after 20 hours of incubation, showing whitish, dry colonies with irregular edges typical of Geotrichum spp. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry confirmed identification as M. capitatus. Despite intensive antifungal treatment with caspofungin and voriconazole, the patient died 10 days after admission.

Conclusion

This case underscores the severity of invasive M. capitatus infections in immunocompromised patients and the critical importance of rapid, accurate diagnosis using modern tools like mass spectrometry. Clinicians must remain vigilant about emerging mycoses and the intrinsic antifungal resistance of M. capitatus to optimize therapeutic management and reduce mortality.
  • Published in:Cureus,
  • Study Type:Case Report,
  • Source: PMID: 40717877
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