Sporotrichosis

Introduction. 

Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii. These fungi are common in the US, especially in cats and dogs (veterinary problem). Ulcering lesions appear on the skin surface at the site of injury and the fungi then invade the local lymphatics; lesions also appear at skin sites served by the infected lymph ducts. Such infections are very difficult to treat and often necessitate surgery or amputation. Care must be taken to distinguish these from actinomycoses (bacterial origin) which may present similar clinical signs.

Summary

• Cause: Sporothrix schenckii
• Microscopy: Dimorphic fungus; infectious yeast phase
• Transmission: Wound inoculation
• Symptoms: ulceration of skin at injury site
• Complications: Invasion of lymphatics; spread along lymph causing lesions on skin
• Pathogenesis: invasion of lymph and skin; ulcering lesions due to immune response
• Treatment: Potassium iodide; Itraconazole

Links

• http://www.medmicro.wisc.edu/resources/imagelib/mycology/images/sporothrix_mold1.jpg
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S136952741930013X