Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “SPOROTRICHOSIS”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Sporotrichosis with widespread cutaneous lesions: report of 24 cases related to transmission by domestic cats in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Sporotrichosis most commonly presents as a localized lymphocutaneous infection following traumatic inoculation of soil, vegetables or organic substrates contaminated with the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. Cases of widespread cutaneous lesions are rare. There have been isolated reports of household outbreaks of sporotrichosis involving cats and humans. METHODS: We report 24 cases of culture-proven sporotrichosis presenting with widespread cutaneous lesions. RESULTS: These 24 cases are part of an epidemic currently occurring in Rio de Janeiro. All patients reported contact with cats with sporotrichosis and 17 reported a history of a scratch or bite. Clinical manifestations included fixed lesions at multiple anatomical sites, and fixed lesions associated with the lymphocutaneous, bilateral lymphocutaneous and mucosal forms of the disease. Two patients were alcoholics and one patient was diabetic, while the remaining patients did not present any immunosuppressing condition. All patients responded to treatment with itraconazole. CONCLUSIONS: The domestic cat has played an important role in the transmission of sporotrichosis in Rio de Janeiro and seems to have contributed to this unusual clinical manifestation.

Adult↗

Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the serodiagnosis of several clinical forms of sporotrichosis.

We performed a serological study with sera from 92 patients with confirmed sporotrichosis registered between 1999 and 2004 in two hospitals in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The clinical presentation of sporotrichosis was distributed as follows: lymphocutaneous, 67%; fixed cutaneous, 23%; disseminated cutaneous, 8%; and extracutaneous, 2%. Sera were assayed by ELISA against a cell wall antigen of Sporothrix schenckii, SsCBF, that we have previously described. The cross-reactivity was determined with 77 heterologous sera. The serological test showed a sensitivity of 90% and a global efficiency of 86%. A group of 55 patients with several clinical presentations of sporotrichosis was clinically and serologically followed-up for at least 6 months. We observed by ELISA data a decrease in the antibody serum titers which correlated with the progress in healing. An HIV-positive patient with meningeal sporotrichosis was serologically followed-up for over 2 years. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid specimens were examined and significant antibodies levels against the antigen SsCBF were detected. Our results strongly suggest that this serological test is valuable for the differential diagnosis and follow-up of all clinical forms of sporotrichosis.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Sporotrichosis in Peru: description of an area of hyperendemicity.

Sporotrichosis is a sporadic and rare mycotic infection in most of the developed world. In many parts of the developing world, sporotrichosis is much more commonly recognized, but epidemiological data are generally lacking from these regions. We report epidemiological, clinical, and treatment data from 238 cases of culture-proven sporotrichosis occurring in a relatively remote area of the south central highlands of Peru that were retrospectively collected during 1995-1997. Most cases (60%) occurred in children aged </=14 years, and the most commonly affected anatomic site was the face. Disease was clinically confined to the skin and subcutaneous tissue in all patients. The incidence of sporotrichosis in this region ranged from 48 to 60 cases per 100,000 persons and was highest among children aged 7-14 years, approaching 1 case per 1000 persons. Sporotrichosis is a significant mycosis in the rural highlands of Peru, with an incidence exceeding those of other invasive mycoses in individuals without human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Adolescent↗

Cat-transmitted sporotrichosis epidemic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: description of a series of cases.

Sporotrichosis is the most common subcutaneous mycosis in South America. Classic infection is associated with traumatic inoculation of soil, vegetables, and organic matter contaminated with Sporothrix schenckii. Zoonotic transmission has been described in isolated cases or in small outbreaks. Since 1998, we have been observing an increasing number of cases of sporotrichosis in persons from the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and surroundings. From 1998 to 2001, 178 cases of culture-proven sporotrichosis had been diagnosed. Female patients predominated, and the median age was 39 years. The most frequent clinical presentation was lymphocutaneous disease. Of the 178 patients, 156 reported domiciliary or professional contact with cats with sporotrichosis, and 97 of these patients had a history of receipt of cat scratch or bite. The patients received itraconazole as first-line treatment. This study suggests that feline transmission of sporotrichosis was associated with a large and long-lasting outbreak of the disease in Rio de Janeiro.

Adolescent↗

Outbreak of sporotrichosis among tree nursery workers.

In spring 1994, an outbreak of sporotrichosis occurred at a tree nursery in Florida; 9 (14%) of 65 workers involved in production of sphagnum moss topiaries developed lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis. A cohort study of all 65 employees was conducted to identify risk factors for sporotrichosis, and an environmental investigation was done. The risk of sporotrichosis increased significantly with the duration of working with sphagnum moss (P < .05), in particular with filling topiaries (P < .05), and with having less gardening experience (P < .05). Wearing gloves was protective (P < .005). Sporothrix schenckii was cultured from patients and sphagnum moss used in topiary production. Use of restriction fragment length polymorphism revealed an identical pattern for patient isolates that was different from the patterns of environmental isolates. Physicians should be aware of sporotrichosis in patients with ulcerative skin lesions who have a history of occupational or recreational exposure to sphagnum moss.

Adult↗

Treatment of lymphocutaneous and visceral sporotrichosis with fluconazole.

Thirty patients with documented sporotrichosis were treated with 200-800 mg of fluconazole daily. Fourteen patients had lymphocutaneous infection; only five (36%) of these patients had any underlying illnesses. Sixteen patients had osteoarticular or visceral sporotrichosis; 12 (75%) of these patients had underlying diseases, mostly alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Eleven of the 30 patients had relapsed after prior antifungal therapy. Most patients were treated with 400 mg of fluconazole; however, four received 200 mg of fluconazole daily for the entire course, and four received 800 mg of fluconazole daily for a portion of their therapy or for the entire course of therapy. Fluconazole therapy cured 10 (71%) of 14 patients with lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis. However, only five (31%) of 16 patients with osteoarticular or visceral sporotrichosis responded to therapy; the conditions of two of these five patients improved only, and there was no documented cure of their infections. With the exception of alopecia in five patients, toxic effects were minimal. Fluconazole is only modestly effective for treatment of sporotrichosis and should be considered second-line therapy for the occasional patient who is unable to take itraconazole.

Adult↗

The asteroid bodies of sporotrichosis.

Some believe that asteroid bodies (AB) in sporotrichosis are nonspecific and are equivalent to the AB of sarcoidosis and other granulomatous diseases. We studied 25 skin biopsy specimens of sporotrichosis in which AB were demonstrated, ten of them with Sporothrix-positive culture. Immunohistochemistry was performed in paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens using an anti-Sporothrix antibody. The same procedures were done with seven biopsy specimens of lobomycosis, which contained AB within giant cells. These did not react with the anti-Sporothrix antibody, and by electron microscopy they displayed filamentous and myelin figures similar to the AB of sarcoidosis. In sporotrichosis, the AB are extracellular eosinophilic structures, 15-35 microm in diameter, and located within abscesses. One to three are found in a section. They consist of a central yeast, surrounded by eosinophilic spicules. The yeast stains with the anti-Sporothrix antibody, while the spicules do not. Therefore, AB in sporotrichosis are specific for disease. Visualization of the spicules alone can lead to the demonstration of the AB in adjacent sections, and thus is a useful clue in the diagnosis of sporotrichosis. Sporotrichotic AB must not be confused with the intracellular AB seen in giant cells of granulomatous reactions, which are filamentous and myelin figures that contain lipid.

Biopsy↗

Disseminated sporotrichosis.

The clinical manifestations of sporotrichosis can be classified into three disease patterns: (1) localized lymphatic sporotrichosis, (2) fixed cutaneous (or endemic) sporotrichosis, and (3) disseminated sporotrichosis. This presentation reflects a rare disseminated form of the disease with extensive cutaneous and systemic lesions, and further illustrates the difficulty in diagnosing systemic sporotrichosis infection.

Dermatomycoses↗

Sporotrichosis: a forgotten disease in the drug research agenda.

Potassium iodide was discovered in the 19th century and still remains as one of the more effective and most prescribed treatments for sporotrichosis. No new drugs have been evaluated in large randomized clinical trials in comparison with standard or alternative treatments for sporotrichosis during the last decades. The emergence of disseminated sporotrichosis in AIDS patients has uncovered the need for more effective treatments. Sporotrichosis is only a public health problem in a few geographical areas, mostly located in developing countries; and its usually harmless history could explain the limited investment in sporotrichosis treatment research. Better understanding of the virulence factors, such as the melanization process, could reveal new potential drug targets.

Animals↗

Disseminated osteoarticular sporotrichosis: treatment in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

We report a case of multiple skin lesions, lymphadenopathy, and osteoarticular sporotrichosis in a man infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). He subsequently died of tuberculosis after successful treatment for osteoarticular sporotrichosis with amphotericin B. We describe the unusual histopathology in disseminated sporotrichosis with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and compare it with that seen in patients without AIDS. Although the optimal treatment of osteoarticular sporotrichosis in patients with AIDS is unknown, use of amphotericin B in our patient appeared successful. Culture and histologic stains of all tissues taken at autopsy were negative for sporotrichosis. Recent studies of similar cases have shown initial treatment with amphotericin B followed by long-term maintenance with itraconazole to be beneficial.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Disseminated sporotrichosis in patients with AIDS: case report and review of the literature.

Sporotrichosis is the disease caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenkii. Disseminated sporotrichosis is an uncommon infection which usually occurs in alcoholics or patients receiving immunosuppressive medication. We report a case of a patient with AIDS who had disseminated sporotrichosis which was progressive and fatal despite antifungal therapy. Four previously reported cases of disseminated sporotrichosis in patients with AIDS are reviewed. Disseminated sporotrichosis occurs in patients with HIV-1 infection and severe CD4 lymphocyte depletion. It usually presents with diffuse cutaneous lesions and is associated with polyarticular arthritis. Response to treatment is variable and chronic suppressive therapy is probably needed to prevent relapse.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Case report of sporotrichosis arthritis.

Joint infection secondary to sporotrichosis is quite rare. Recently there have been two reports of sporotrichosis arthritis in the literature. An early report of synovitis of the knee secondary to sporotrichosis without cutaneous or multifocal involvement appeared in 1957. Sporotrichosis is a fungal disease that commonly causes bone and joint infection in its extracutaneous form. This report discusses sporotrichosis of the knee joint in a 28-year-old patient.

Adult↗

Primary pulmonary sporotrichosis. Report of eight cases with clinicopathologic review.

Pulmonary sporotrichosis in the absence of lymphocutaneous disease is unusual; however, its incidence may be greater than previously recognized. This report describes the AFIP experience in eight cases of primary pulmonary sporotrichosis and reviews an additional 23 cases. The disease is often a bilateral, apical, chronic and cavitary, progressive, destructive, and debilitating infection, most often seen in middle-aged men with a history of alcoholism and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In this clinical setting, pulmonary sporotrichosis closely mimics tuberculosis or histoplasmosis. However, this clinical charade can be unmasked by serologic tests, cultures, and identification of the causative agent, Sporothrix schenckii, in sections of paraffin-embedded lung containing necrotizing granulomas and stained with periodic acid-Schiff and Gomori methenamine-silver nitrate. Previously not recognized is the presentation of primary pulmonary sporotrichosis as a solitary, peripheral, necrotizing pulmonary nodule, observed in two patients. Chronic cavitary pulmonary sporotrichosis is usually refractory to drug therapy; however, when combined with surgical resection, cure can be attained.

Adult↗

Role of surgery in the management of pulmonary sporotrichosis.

Management of four patients with sporotrichosis is summarized; one was treated medically and three were treated surgically. Thirty-seven cases from the literature are reviewed. The role of surgery in the management of pulmonary sporotrichosis is outlined as follows: (1) diagnosis of pulmonary infiltrates and/or pulmonary cavities of undetermined origin, (2) surgical intervention in patients with persistent infiltrates with cavitary lesions resulting from sporotrichosis, following failed medical treatment, and (3) resection of associated pulmonary cavitary lesions in patients in spite of adequte medical control of sporotrichosis. Surgical principles that must be observed in the management of pulmonary sporotrichosis follows:(1) Resection is the procedure of choice. The magnitude ranges from segmental resection to pneumonectomy. Clean resection is necessary. (2) Antifungal drug therapy--preferably with amphotericin B--is advisable preoperatively and postoperatively, since the major cause of late death is progression of the disease when clean resection has not been feasible. (3) Resection combined with drug therapy can be curative without increased risk in physiologically operable and anatomically resectable disease. (4) Thoracoplasty can be a lifesaving procedure for bilateral cavitary lesions with severe hemoptysis in patients with impaired pulmonary functions.

Adult↗

[Immunologic profile of a patient with lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis].

Sporotrichosis is characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations from mild fixed cutaneous forms to systemic dissemination of the disease, despite an apparent regular pattern of virulence of the etiological agent, S. schenckii. These facts suggest that immunological mechanisms of the host could play an important role on the pathogenesis of the mycosis. On this basis, an immunologic survey was carried out in patients with lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis. Cell-mediated immunity was evaluated by means of lymphocyte transformation stimulated with phytohaemagglutinin and the response to several intradermal reaction antigens. Lymphocyte blastic transformation was normal as compared with a control group. All patients were positive at least against one of the antigens tested. These results indicate that this group of patients did not show any cell-mediated immunity deficiency. Serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA), and C3 measured to evaluate humoral immunity, were also within normality. Since many cases of sporotrichosis cure with the administration of potassium iodine, whose mechanisms of therapeutic activity are unknown, a possible impairment in the management of iodine was investigated, with the premise that iodine enhances the host defenses rather than acting against the fungus. Thyroid function tests performed in all patients to support this hypothesis, gave normal results. These data permit to conclude that susceptibility to sporotrichosis in the affected patients does not depend on gross abnormal humoral and/or cell-mediated immunity, and their response to potassium iodine is not related to deficient thyroid function.

Adolescent↗

Antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus spp. isolated from sporotrichosis-affected cats in Brazil: Detection of MRSP and MRSA.

Recently, Brazil has experienced a zoonotic emergence of sporotrichosis. The associated cutaneous lesions are often extensive and slow to heal, thereby providing a gateway for opportunistic bacteria belonging to the normal skin microbiota. Among these, Staphylococcus spp. are of particular concern due to their high prevalence and notable levels of antimicrobial resistance. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize Staphylococcus spp. isolated from the cutaneous wounds of domestic cats undergoing treatment for sporotrichosis and exhibiting clinical signs of secondary bacterial infection. A total of 233 samples from 203 cats were analyzed. Staphylococcus spp. was isolated from 156 samples (67%), with S. aureus (42.3%) and S. felis (25.6%) being the most prevalent. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed high levels of resistance to penicillin (51.9%), erythromycin (28.8%), and clindamycin (19.2%). In contrast, most isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol (98%), ciprofloxacin (96.7%), and nitrofurantoin (93%). Multidrug-resistant strains were identified in 24% (38/156) of the isolates. Overall, 12 isolates (7.7%) were classified as methicillin-resistant staphylococci, including four methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) and one methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). To investigate the genetic profiles and epidemiological relationships of these isolates, all the MRSP and MRSA strains were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. Among the MRSP isolates, four sequence types (STs) were identified, including ST551, the founder of clonal complex (CC)551, which is commonly associated with infection in dogs. The MRSA isolate belonged to ST1176, a member of CC5, which is a globally prevalent lineage and is frequently associated with nosocomial infections in humans. This study demonstrates that Staphylococcus species, including methicillin-resistant isolates, are frequently present in the wounds of sporotrichosis-infected cats exhibiting clinical signs of secondary bacterial infection. The detection of MRSA and MRSP in a cat highlights an additional public health concern associated with feline sporotrichosis and further reinforces the growing concern regarding antimicrobial resistance in companion animals.

Animals↗

Immunohistochemical detection of interferon-gamma-producing cells in granuloma formation of sporotrichosis.

Granuloma formation is a common response in the skin infection of sporotrichosis. The involvement of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the granuloma formation of sporotrichosis is less known. The aim of this study was to describe by immunohistochemistry the exact tissue distribution of IFN-gamma-positive cells and iNOS-positive cells in the granuloma of skin lesions from patients with sporotrichosis. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded skin biopsy sections from five patients were stained by immunohistochemical methods. Mixture of CD4-positive T cells and CD8-positive T cells were present in and around the granulomatous lesions. IFN-gamma-positive cells, like mononuclear lymphoid cells, were detected in the periphery of the granulomas in all samples. The pattern of IFN-gamma staining appeared to be a combination of intracellular staining in mononuclear lymphoid cells and extracellular deposition in the surrounding tissue. The majority of the epitheloid cells and multinucleated giant cells within the granuloma were identified by immunostaining for CD68. In contrast, no expression of immunoreactive iNOS was observed in those cells in all samples. These findings indicate that granulomas of sporotrichosis are coupled with Th1 response.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Multifocal sporotrichosis presenting with lobar pulmonary consolidation.

A case of multifocal systemic sporotrichosis presenting with lobar pneumonia caused by Sporothrix schenkii is described. While five cases of pulmonary involvement in multifocal sporotrichosis have been previously reported, all had nodular or cavitary apical lesions. Similarly, unifocal pulmonary sporotrichosis usually presents with apical cavitary disease. The presence of skin nodules led to a culture diagnosis of sporotrichosis of the skin and prompted further diagnostic studies to elucidate the etiology of the pneumonia.

Humans↗