Sporothrix

Sporothrix is a fungal genus that is the causative agent of Sporotrichosis, a disease also known as "rose gardener's disease". This genus belongs to the Ophiostomatales order and the Ascomycota phylum.

Taxonomy

The genus Sporothrix was first described by Hektoen and Wolbach in 1900. The most well-known species is Sporothrix schenckii, named after Benjamin Schenck, who first isolated the organism.

Pathogenesis

Sporothrix species are thermally dimorphic fungi, meaning they can exist in both mold and yeast forms. The mold form is found in the environment, while the yeast form is found in host tissues. Infection usually occurs through direct inoculation of the fungus into the skin, often through a thorn or splinter.

Clinical Manifestations

The most common form of sporotrichosis is cutaneous sporotrichosis, which presents as a skin lesion at the site of inoculation. The lesion may ulcerate and become chronic if not treated. Other forms of sporotrichosis include lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis, disseminated sporotrichosis, and pulmonary sporotrichosis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of sporotrichosis is typically made by culture of the organism from clinical specimens. Other diagnostic methods include histopathologic examination and serologic testing.

Treatment

Treatment of sporotrichosis depends on the form of the disease. Cutaneous and lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis are typically treated with itraconazole. Disseminated and severe forms of the disease may require amphotericin B.

See Also

• Mycology
• Fungal diseases
• Sporotrichosis

References

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Sporothrix

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  Conidiophores and conidia of the fungus Sporothrix schenckii