Differential Diagnosis for White Colonies on Sabouraud Agar
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Candida albicans: This is a common fungus that can grow on Sabouraud agar, often producing white colonies. It's a frequent cause of fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Geotrichum candidum: This fungus can also produce white colonies on Sabouraud agar and is known to cause geotrichosis, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
- Trichosporon beigelii: Although it can produce a variety of colors, some species within this genus can appear white on certain media and are known to cause white piedra and other infections.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Aspergillus: While Aspergillus species often produce colored colonies, some species can appear white, especially in the early stages of growth. Aspergillosis can be severe and life-threatening, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Fusarium: This genus can produce a range of colors, including white, and can cause severe infections in immunocompromised patients, including fusariosis.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Scedosporium: Some species within this genus can appear white on Sabouraud agar. Scedosporium can cause severe infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, and is known for its resistance to antifungal treatments.
- Pseudallescheria boydii: Now classified under the genus Scedosporium, this fungus can cause mycetoma and other infections, and may appear white on certain media.