Bronchopulmonary geotrichosis

3 Cases of respiratory infection by Geotrichum candidum are described. Reports on this fungal infection of the lungs are rare and the fact that it is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed stimulated the authors to review the literature concerning pulmonary Geotrichosis. This fungus is found as a saprophyte in the sputum, skin and feces and is known as a frequent fungal opportunist in a debilitated patient. Clinical and radiological features simulate pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis or lung neoplasms. Repeated demonstration of the fungus is essential for a diagnosis. The absence of a subjective feeling of illness in spite of chronic cough and expectoration was helpful in excluding tuberculosis and neoplasms. Potassium iodide is the drug of choice at present but Hamycin also appears to be a useful therapeutic agent in this disease.