Duodenal colonization by Geotrichum candidum in a child with transient lowserum levels of IgA and IgM - A case report

Fungal colonization was observed in the duodenal biopsy specimens of a nine -year-old girl who complained of anorexia and epigastric pain. Endoscopy re vealed gastric redness and Geotrichum candidum was identified in the duoden um by histopathology and tissue culture. Immunologic work-up showed low ser um levels of IgA and IgM. She was treated with ranitidine and antacids for gastritis. At follow-up, the levels of immunoglobulins had normalized, no f ungal elements were detected, and clinical symptoms had disappeared. Duoden al invasion by G. candidum has not been described so far. Duodenal coloniza tion by G. candidum may occur when mucosal immunity is disturbed and may be the source of dissemination in severe immunodeficiency states.