Sporotrichosis
Sporotrichosis is an infection that is caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii. The fungus spreads from the initial lesion along lymphatic channels, forming the chain of indolent nodular and ulcerating lesions that typifies the lymphocutaneous form of the disease. It usually infects the skin. This fungus is found worldwide and is naturally present in soil, hay, rose thorn, sphagnum moss, decaying vegetation, and other plant materials, and infects the skin through small cuts and punctures. Because of this, this disease usually affects people who work with soil and plants, such as farmers, horticulturists, and gardeners. Because of this occupational exposure, sporotrichosis is more prevalent in adult males. In the rarer, pulmonary form of sporotrichosis, the infection took place when S. schenckii is inhaled. Sporotrichosis has 3 forms first is Cutaneous lymphatic sporotrichosis is Red, nodular lesions of the skin, along with secondary lesions of the lymphatic vessels seconde is Pulmonary sporotrichosis. This is a rare form of sporotrichosis that causes nodules in the lungs and last is Disseminated sporotrichosis.
Disseminated sporotrichosis is a rare form of sporotrichosis that causes arthritis, osteomyelitis or inflammation of the bone (osteoarticular sporotrichosis), and also infects the central nervous system and brain. This usually occurs only in people with weakened immune system disseminated sporotrichosis, the infection spread from the primary location (skin or lung) to other areas of the body. This form of sporotrichosis infection is a dangerous and even life-threatening medical condition. A rare form of transmission of this fungus is through cats and armadillos. Sporotrichosis is not communicable from person to person. Sporothrix typically grows on rosebushes, barberry bushes, sphagnum moss, and other mulches. Most often, farmers, gardeners, and horticulturists are infected, usually from a small puncture wound.Sporotrichosis mainly affects the skin and nearby lymphatic vessels. Very rarely, the bones, joints, lungs, or other tissues are infected.
Causes of Sporotrichosis
Common causes of Sporotrichosis
- Microscopic fungus.
- Lymph flow.
- Rose thorn or sharp stick.
- Hay or moss.
- Armadillos.
- Infection in the lungs.
Symptoms of Sporotrichosis
Common symptoms of Sporotrichosis
- Pneumonia.
- Chest pain.
- Cough.
- Holes and nodules in the lungs.
- Swollen hilar lymph nodes of the lungs.
- Fibrosis or formation of abnormal fibrous tissue.
- Formation of fungus ball.
- Weight loss Loss of appetite.
- Anorexia.
- Bony lesions.
- Ulceration.
Treatment of Sporotrichosis
Common Treatment of Sporotrichosis
- Sporotrichosis is generally treated with potassium iodide, A new drug, called itraconazole (Sporanox), is available for treatment.
- The skin infection is usually treated with potassium iodide (for example, SSKI) given by mouth 3 times per day or itraconazole by mouth. Treatment is prolonged and continues 1 month after the skin lesions clear.
- Lung and bone infection may also be treated with itraconazole.
- For life-threatening, bodywide infection amphotericin B is given intravenously.
- Control measures include wearing gloves and long sleeves when handling wires, rose bushes, hay bales, pine seedlings, or other materials.
- Warming up the affected area may bring temporary relief to the pain.
- Protect the sore with a loose-fitting bandage
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