Sporotrichosis

Sporotrichosis is a rare chronic fungal infection.

Pathology

Sporotrichosis is caused by a dimorphic fungus Sporothrix spp.:

• Sporothrix schenckii: considered the most common and can affect the respiratory system

• Sporothrix brasiliensis

• Sporothrix globosa

• Sporothrix pallida

• Sporothrix mexicana

It commonly affects the skin but can rarely affect extracutaneous sites such as

• lung: pulmonary sporotrichosis ²

• bones: musculoskeletal sporotrichosis

• joints: sporotrichal arthritis

In immunocompromised hosts, the infection can disseminate hematogenously to affect other organ systems (e.g. central nervous system).