Sporotrichosis

Basics

Description

  • “Rose gardener's disease”
  • Lymphocutaneous:
    • Most common form
    • Traumatic inoculation of fungus (Sporothrix schenckii) into skin/soft tissue
    • Solitary nodule with or without distal to proximal lymphocutaneous spread
    • Secondary to animal bites/scratches, especially from cats, trauma
    • Increased risk: Farmers, gardeners, landscapers, forestry workers, veterinarians
  • Pulmonary:
    • Inhalation of S. schenckii spores aerosolized from soil/plant decay
    • Increased risk: Alcoholics COPD, steroid users
  • Multifocal extracutaneous:
    • Cutaneous inoculation and hematologic spread
    • Increased risk: Immunosuppressed patients

Etiology

  • Fungal infection caused by S. schenckii:
  • Dimorphic fungus
  • Occurs as mold on decaying vegetation, moss, and soil in temperate and tropical environments
  • Animal vectors, notably cats and armadillos
  • Common environmental exposure: Rose bushes, hay bales, sphagnum moss, conifer seedlings

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