Definition of Sporotrichosis
Sporotrichosis: An infection most commonly of the skin
caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii.
Persons handling thorny plants, sphagnum moss, or baled hay are at
increased risk of developing sporotrichosis. Outbreaks of
sporotrichosis have occurred among nursery workers handling sphagnum
moss, rose gardeners, children playing on baled hay, and greenhouse
workers handling bayberry thorns that are contaminated by the fungus.
A number of cases have recently occurred among nursery workers,
especially workers handling sphagnum moss topiaries.
The fungus is found in sphagnum moss, in hay, in other plant
materials, and in the soil. It enters the skin through small cuts or
punctures from thorns, barbs, pine needles, or wires. Less often, the
fungus may be inhaled into the lungs. The disease cannot be spread
from one person to another.
The first sign of sporotrichosis is usually a small painless bump
resembling an insect bite. It can be red, pink, or purple in color.
The bump (nodule) usually appears on the finger, hand, or arm where
the fungus first entered through a break on the skin. This is
followed by one or more additional bumps or nodules which
open. They may look like boils. Eventually, the bumps turn into open
hollowed-out sores (ulcerations), which are very slow to heal. The
infection can also spread to other areas of the body.
The large majority of infections with sporotrichosis are limited
to the skin (localized). Sporotrichosis infection can spread through
the blood to other areas (disseminated), but this is relatively rare.
For example, infection of the joints, lungs, eye, and the
genitourinary and central nervous system (brain and spine) can result. Usually,
disseminated sporotrichosis occurs in people who have problems with
the immune system; for example, persons with AIDS (acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome), cancer, patients undergoing chemotherapy,
and transplant recipients on immunosuppressive therapy.
Symptoms vary greatly from patient to patient. The nodules are
usually visible within 3 weeks after the fungus enters the skin, but
then the first nodule can appear any time from 1 to 12 weeks (3
months) later.
Sporotrichosis is confirmed by obtaining a swab or a biopsy of
a freshly opened skin nodule and submitting it to a laboratory for
examination. A fungal culture is then used to detect the fungus
Sporothrix schenckii.
Sporotrichosis is treated with potassium iodide, taken
by mouth in droplet form. A new drug, called itraconazole (SPORANOX),
is also available for the treatment of sporotrichosis, but experience
with this drug is still limited. Treatment, whether it be with
potassium iodide or itraconazole (SPORANOX), should be extended for a
number of weeks until all of the skin abnormalities are completely
healed.
Measures to prevent sporotrichosis include wearing gloves and long
sleeves when handling wires, rose bushes, hay bales, pine seedlings,
or other materials that may cause minor skin breaks. It is also
advisable to avoid skin contact with sphagnum moss, a common source
of the fungus Sporothrix schenckii, the cause of
sporotrichosis.
Last Editorial Review: 9/1/1999
- itraconazole, Sporanox - Emphasizes the medication itraconazole (Sporanox), a drug used for the treatment of fungal infections which are isolated to a small area of the body.
- Boils - Learn about boils (skin abscess), localized infections deep within the skin that begins as a reddened, sore area. Eventually, the area hardens and fills with pus. Boils may be caused by ingrown hairs, clogged sweat glands, or foreign material that becomes imbedded in the skin. Treatment typically involves heat application, draining the boil, and antibiotics to eliminate bacterial infection.
Latest Medical News
Back to MedTerms online medical dictionary A-Z List
Allergy RSS