Sporotrichosis

Definition:

A chronic skin (cutaneous) fungal infection; it may develop as a widespread (disseminated, systemic) infection in immunocompromised patients.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Sporotrichosis is caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii which is found in vegetation. It is usually inoculated into the skin when the skin is broken while handling plant materials such as rosebushes, briars, or mulch-rich dirt. Sporotrichosis can be an occupational disease (for farmers, horticulturists, and so on). Widespread (disseminated) sporotrichosis develops in immunocompromised people when they inhale spore-laden dust.

Symptoms include a small painless red lump that develops at the site of inoculation and ultimately develops into an ulcer. Lesions are often on the hands and forearm as these areas are a common site of injury. The organism follows the lymph flow causing small ulcers to appear in lines on the skin as the infection progresses up the arm (or leg). These lesions do not heal unless treated and may remain ulcerated for years.

Systemic sporotrichosis can cause lung and breathing problems, osteomyelitis, arthritis, and meningitis.