sporotrichosis

Sporotrichosis: A Fungal Infection of the Skin

Sporotrichosis is a type of fungal infection that affects the skin, caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii [1]. This infection typically occurs when the fungus enters the body through a cut or scratch in the skin, often as a result of handling contaminated vegetation, such as rosebushes, twigs, hay, or other decaying plant material [3].

Symptoms and Characteristics

The symptoms of sporotrichosis can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Common symptoms include:

• A red, itchy, or painful lesion at the site of entry, which may eventually develop into a ulcer or abscess [4]
• Swelling, redness, and warmth around the affected area
• In rare cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, lymph nodes, or bloodstream, leading to more severe symptoms like coughing, dyspnea, pleuritic pain, hemoptysis, weight loss, and fatigue [8]

Prevalence and Distribution

Sporotrichosis is a relatively common deep fungal infection of the skin, but it is also considered one of the least serious forms of this type of infection [5][9]. The fungus that causes sporotrichosis has a worldwide distribution, with cases reported in tropical and subtropical regions, as well as in temperate climates [6][7].

References

[1] Sporotrichosis is an infection under the skin caused by different species of the fungus Sporothrix. · Infections occur sporadically in tropical ...

[3] Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection of the skin caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii, which is found on decaying vegetation, rosebushes, twigs, hay, ...

[4] Sporotrichosis is a cutaneous infection caused by the saprophytic mold Sporothrix schenckii. Pulmonary and hematogenous involvement is uncommon. Symptoms are ...

[5] Sporotrichosis is one of the most common deep fungal infections of the skin, but it is also the least serious. This chronic fungal infection will appear at the ...

[6] by MB de Lima Barros · 2011 · Cited by 785 — Summary: Sporotrichosis, which is caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii, is currently distributed throughout the world, especially in tropical ...

[7] May 10, 2023 — Sporotrichosis is an endemic mycosis with worldwide distribution caused by the dimorphic Sporothrix schenckii fungal complex.

[8] Feb 28, 2017 — The symptoms can include coughing, which is often productive, as well as dyspnea, pleuritic pain, hemoptysis, weight loss and fatigue.

[9] Sporotrichosis is one of the most common deep fungal infections of the skin, but it is also the least serious. This chronic fungal infection will appear at the ...

Sporotrichosis Signs and Symptoms

Sporotrichosis, also known as rose gardener's disease, is a fungal infection caused by the Sporothrix schenckii fungus. The symptoms of sporotrichosis can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the individual affected.

Common Symptoms:

• A small, painless bump or nodule on the skin, which can range in color from pink to nearly purple [1]
• A firm bump (nodule) on the skin that can occur on exposed skin sites such as the face, legs, or arms [2]
• Nodules and plaques on the skin, often accompanied by lymphocutaneous infections [3]
• A small, painless red lump that develops at the site of infection, which may turn into an ulcer (sore) over time [4]
• A small bump that can be red, pink, or purple, often occurring on a finger or hand as a starting point for the infection [5]

Other Signs and Symptoms:

• The symptoms often start off mild within the first several weeks of exposure [6]
• Lesions may develop at the site of a scratch or cut, and nodules can appear under the skin along the lymphatic channels [7]
• Patients are typically well without fever during the early stages of the infection [8]

It's essential to seek medical attention if you suspect you have sporotrichosis, as prompt treatment can help prevent complications and ensure proper healing.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [2] - Context result 2 [3] - Context result 3 [4] - Context result 6 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 5 [7] - Context result 7 [8] - Context result 8

Diagnosing Sporotrichosis: A Summary

Sporotrichosis, a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii, can be diagnosed through various laboratory tests and clinical evaluations.

• Culture: The definitive test for diagnosis of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis is culture of the fungus from skin lesions [4]. This involves taking a sample from the affected area and growing it in a controlled environment to confirm the presence of S. schenckii. Culture on agar Mycosel is also used as a diagnostic tool [6].
• Microscopy: Direct microscopy (direct examination) can be used to diagnose sporotrichosis by examining a sample under a microscope for the presence of fungal elements [5]. Histopathology, which involves examining tissue samples under a microscope, can also provide a diagnosis [6].
• Blood Tests: While blood tests may help diagnose severe sporotrichosis, they are not typically used to diagnose skin infections [2].
• Clinical Evaluation: The diagnosis of sporotrichosis is often suspected based on clinical presentation in a patient with a history of possible exposure to the fungus (e.g., gardening or farming) [8].

Key Takeaways

• Culture and microscopy are key diagnostic tools for sporotrichosis.
• Histopathology can also provide a diagnosis.
• Blood tests may be used in severe cases, but not typically for skin infections.
• Clinical evaluation is essential for suspecting sporotrichosis.

References:

[1] A Bonifaz · 2018 · Cited by 23 [2] Apr 24, 2024 [3] Mar 2, 2021 [4] May 10, 2023 [5] Nov 15, 2023 [6] by ACP de Jesus · 2020 · Cited by 9 [7] by A Bonifaz · 2018 · Cited by 23 [8] The diagnosis of sporotrichosis is suspected based on clinical presentation in a patient with a history of possible exposure to the fungus (eg, gardener, ... [9] Jan 1, 2014

Treatment Options for Sporotrichosis

Sporotrichosis, a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii, can be treated with various antifungal medications. The choice of treatment depends on the severity and location of the infection.

• Oral Antifungals: Itraconazole is considered the agent of choice for treating sporotrichosis, especially for non-life-threatening localized infections [1][7]. It has been shown to be effective in achieving clinical and mycological cure in patients with cutaneous sporotrichosis [2].
• Pulse Therapy: A regimen of oral itraconazole 400 mg/day for one week with a 3-week break (pulse therapy) has also been used to treat sporotrichosis, resulting in clinical and mycological cure in most patients [2].
• Terbinafine: This antifungal medication is another option for treating sporotrichosis, particularly for skin infections. It has been shown to be effective in treating sporotrichosis in infants under the age of 10 months [6].
• Saturated Solution of Potassium Iodide (SSKI): SSKI can also be used to treat sporotrichosis, especially for cutaneous and subcutaneous infections [3][5].

Treatment Guidelines

For children with disseminated sporotrichosis, amphotericin B is recommended as the initial therapy, followed by itraconazole [9]. Most cases of sporotrichosis are non-life-threatening localized infections that can be treated with oral antifungal agents [8].

In summary, the treatment options for sporotrichosis include oral antifungals such as itraconazole and terbinafine, pulse therapy with itraconazole, and SSKI. The choice of treatment depends on the severity and location of the infection.

References:

[1] by CA Kauffman · Cited by 2 [2] by VK Mahajan · 2014 · Cited by 246 [3] Apr 24, 2024 [5] Nov 15, 2023 [6] by B Sharma · 2022 · Cited by 27 [7] Sep 23, 2024 [8] by CA Kauffman · 2000 · Cited by 283 [9] by CA Kauffman · 2007 · Cited by 603

Differential Diagnosis of Sporotrichosis

Sporotrichosis, a subacute or chronic infectious disease caused by dimorphic fungi of the genus Sporothrix, requires careful consideration of differential diagnoses to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment. The following conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sporotrichosis:

• Nocardiosis: A bacterial infection that can cause skin lesions similar to those seen in sporotrichosis.
• Cutaneous leishmaniasis: A parasitic infection that can cause skin lesions, including nodules and ulcers.
• Atypical mycobacterial infections, such as Mycobacterium marinum: These bacteria can cause skin lesions that may resemble those of sporotrichosis.
• Pyoderma: A bacterial infection of the skin that can cause lesions similar to those seen in sporotrichosis.
• Catscratch disease: A bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae, which can cause skin lesions and lymphadenopathy.
• Folliculitis: An inflammation of the hair follicles that can cause skin lesions.
• Mycobacterial diseases, such as tuberculosis: These infections can cause skin lesions and systemic symptoms.
• Leishmaniasis: A parasitic infection that can cause skin lesions, including nodules and ulcers.
• Tularemia: A bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis, which can cause skin lesions and systemic symptoms.

Key Points to Consider

• The differential diagnosis of sporotrichosis requires careful consideration of the clinical presentation, exposure history, and laboratory findings.
• Laboratory analysis for the diagnosis of sporotrichosis includes correlation of clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory data (de Lima Barros et al., 2011).
• Definitive diagnosis depends on microbiologic studies, which may be challenging due to the difficulty in finding the organisms (Scott et al., 2005).

References

[3] The differential diagnosis of sporotrichosis includes: nocardiosis, cutaneous leishmaniasis and atypical mycobacterial infection, especially Mycobacterium marinum. [6] Forms of cutaneous sporotrichosis must be differentiated from other diseases that cause lesions, such as cutaneous leishmaniasis and mycobacteriosis, while the various forms of extracutaneous sporotrichosis must be differentiated from other diseases with similar clinical manifestations. [9] Clinical differential diagnosis of cutaneous sporotrichosis includes cutaneous tuberculous and non-‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections, leprosy, mycetoma ... [11] The differential diagnosis of cutaneous sporotrichosis include pyoderma, catscratch disease, folliculitis, mycobacterial diseases, leishmaniasis, tularemia, ...