Geotrichosis

Geotrichosis 

a disease caused by the fungus Geotrichum. The disease is characterized by infection of the skin, mucous membranes, and lungs. Geotrichum is found on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and in the intestines of healthy people. Diseases caused by parasitic fungi are rarely encountered, but the widespread use of antibiotics has made geotrichosis diseases more common. Therefore, many specialists believe that geotrichosis occurs as a result of disruption of the normal microflora of the organism (dysbacteriosis).

Geotrichosis often develops as a superinfection (additional infection) in various serious illnesses of the lungs and intestines. Skin infection by the fungus Geotrichum was first described by the Italian pathologist A. Castellani in 1911. Changes on the skin may be acutely inflammatory and eczema-like, with the formation of erosive weeping foci or pustular (impetiginous) elements. Infection of the mucous membrane of the mouth and pharyngeal tonsils has an external resemblance to infection during candidomycosis. Geotrichosis most frequently affects the lungs and bronchi. The course of the disease follows that of bronchitis or pulmonary tuberculosis. Geotrichosis of the intestines manifests itself as enteritis or enterocolitis. The septic form of geotrichosis has a grave course as a superinfection in other difficult to treat illnesses, including malignant tumors and blood diseases.

Diagnostic methods for geotrichosis include microscopy of sputum, surface biopsy of the mucous membranes, and analysis of the precipitate of urine. Treatment for infection of the internal organs and mucous membranes or for the septic form calls for Mycostatin or Levorin compounded with vitamins, specific immunotherapy, and preparations of phosphorus and iron. Skin manifestations are treated with Mycostatin and Levorin ointments and other medications.

IU. K. SKRIPKIN and G. IA. SHARAPOVA