SPOROTRICHOSIS

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Causative Agent(s)

It is caused by Sporothrix schenckii. The organism is dimorphic and forms mycelia on vegetation and in Sabouraud dextrose agar at 25°–30°C (77°–86°F) but is yeast-like in tissue æand media at 37°C (98.6°F). It is ubiquitous in soil, vegetation, and timber; is distributed worldwide.

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Sporotrichosis may be grouped into three forms: lymphocutaneous, cutaneous, and disseminated. The lymphocutaneous form is the most common. Small, firm dermal to subcutaneous nodules, 1–3 cm in diameter, develop at the site of inoculation. As infection ascends along the lymphatic vessels, cording and new nodules develop. Lesions ulcerate and discharge a sero-haemorrhagic exudates. The cutaneous form tends to remain localized to the site of inoculation, although lesions may be multi-centric. Disseminated sporotrichosis is rare but

potentially fatal and may develop with neglect of cutaneous and lymphocutaneous forms or if the animal is inappropriately treated with corticosteroids. Infection develops via haematogenous, or tissue spread from the initial site of inoculation to the bone, lungs, liver, spleen, testes, GI tract, or CNS.

Diagnostic Considerations

By culture of samples obtained from unopened lesions Microscopic examination of the exudates or biopsy specimens. Management and Treatment

• Antifungal agents: Itraconazole, Terbinafine, potassium iodide
• Itraconazole 10mg/kg SID is the treatment of Treatment should be continued 3- 4week beyond apparent clinical cure.
• A supersaturated solution of potassium iodide administered orally has been used with some success; therapy is continued 30 days beyond apparent clinical cure.

Sporotrichosis is an important zoonosis, with animal-to-human transmission well documented. Strict hygiene must be observed when handling animals