Sporotrichosis
Sporotrichosis is an infection caused by the fungus Sporothrix. The most taught mode of infection is from the prick of a rose thorn. The fungus lives throughout the world on plants and in soil. It gains access usually through a cut in the skin.
This nightmare fungus is a mix of the prick of a spinning wheel in sleeping beauty and the rose laid in snow whites living coffin. The gift of a rose to a love can be twisted!
Outbreaks of sporotrichosis are more common with farm workers from hay, forestry workers due to moss, and gardeners. Cat bites in Brazil are currently the most common source of infection.
There are an estimated 200-250 cases a year in the United States (U.S.).
What kind of infections can Sporothrix cause?
- The most common is infection is on the skin through a scrape by touching the infected plant material.
- Lung infections from breathing in the spores, though this is rare.
- Sporotrichosis can infect other organs in the body such as the brain and bones, but this is usually a person with a weakened immune system.
What are the symptoms of Sporotrichosis?
Symptoms may not show up for up to 3 months after exposure because this is a fungus, and remember, they are sloooow growing. This slow growth also means they have to be treated for long periods.
The most common infection is a skin infection, or cutaneous. It is often a painless discolored bump that can become ulcerated.
Lung infections are rarer but they do happen. The symptoms are the same as for any other pneumonia—cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fever.
How do I know I have Sporotrichosis?
If you think you may have this disease see your doctor. They can take a cut of the area for a biopsy and fungal culture. They can also do a blood test but that is for more severe cases.
How is it treated?
There are different approaches depending on the person and type of infection:
- Supersaturated potassium iodide (SSKI) is a topical agent but cannot be used in pregnancy
- Azole antifungal such as itraconazole is a pill taken for 3-6 months but also cannot be used in pregnancy.
- Intravenous (IV) amphotericin B may be used for severe cases followed by an azole pill for at least a year.
- Surgery is sometimes needed if there is a mass in the lungs that needs to be removed.
Most cases are cured.
Outbreaks-just a few of the many
1947—In South Africa, 3000 mine workers were infected making this the largest known outbreak of Sporotrichosis in a small time frame.
1960—An outbreak in two separate Florida pine tree nurseries infected 8 workers. Other workers in a Wisconsin nursery were also infected. All of them survived.
2003—Forty-one cases were reported in Australia from commercial hay. One person was hospitalized.
Current—There is a current outbreak in Brazil, that is recurring, due to scratches and bites from cats. Over 10,000 cases have been diagnosed in the past 20 years.
Conclusion
If you have any symptoms with a history of possible exposure see your doctor for an exam.