infectious diseases
Sporotrichosis
Introduction
Sporotrichosis is a cutaneous infection caused by the saprophytic moldSporothrix schenckii. Pulmonary and hematogenous involvement is uncommon. Symptoms are cutaneous nodules that spread via lymphatics and break down into abscesses and ulcers. Diagnosis is by culture. Treatment is withitraconazoleoramphotericin B. (See also Overview of Fungal Infections .) Sporothrix schenckiiresides on rose or barberry bushes, in sphagnum moss, and in other mulches. Horticulturists, gardeners, farm laborers, and timber workers are most often infected, typically after minor trauma involving contaminated material. In contrast to the other dimorphic fungi,S. schenckiiis not usually inhaled but enters the body through small cuts and abrasions in the skin. Sporothrix schenckiiis a dimorphic fungus, growing as a yeast in tissue and in culture at 37° C (98.6° F) but as a filamentous fungus at 30° C (86° F). 