Sporotrichosis overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Sporotrichosis (also known as "rose gardener's disease"[1]) is a disease caused by an infection of the fungus Sporothrix schenckii.[2] This fungal disease usually affects the skin, although other less common forms can affect the lungs, joints, bones, and even the brain. Because roses can spread the disease, it is one of a few diseases referred to as rose-thorn or rose-gardeners' disease.[3]
Because S. schenckii is naturally found in soil, hay, sphagnum moss, and plants, it usually impacts farmers, gardeners, and agricultural workers.[2] Typically, infection manifests following the interruption of the epidermal integrity, as this allows the fungus to enter the host. In cases where sporotrichosis impacts the lungs, known as pulmonary sporotrichosis, the fungal spores enter through the respiratory pathways upon inhalation. Zoonotic transmission of sporotrichosis occurs most frequently from handling infected cats, making this an occupational hazard for veterinarians.[4]
Sporotrichosis progresses slowly - the first symptoms may appear 1 to 12 weeks (average 3 weeks) following initial exposure to S. schenckii, and the patient may not recall the injury that led to infection. Serious complications can also arise in patients with compromised immune systems. As systemic forms of sporotrichosis, also known as extracutaneous sporotrichosis, are opportunistic infections, immunocompromised patients are much more susceptible to these more severe subtypes.
References
- ↑ Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). Dermatology: 2-Volume Set. St. Louis: Mosby. ISBN 1-4160-2999-0.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Ryan KJ, Ray CG (editors) (2004). Sherris Medical Microbiology (4th ed.). McGraw Hill. pp. 654–6. ISBN 0-8385-8529-9.
- ↑ Volk T. "Sporothrix schenckii, cause of Rose-picker's Disease". Tom Volk's Fungus of the Month. Retrieved 2007-06-16.
- ↑ Barros MB, de Almeida Paes R, Schubach AO (2011). "Sporothrix schenckii and Sporotrichosis". Clin Microbiol Rev. 24 (4): 633–54. doi:10.1128/CMR.00007-11. PMC 3194828. PMID 21976602.