sporotrichosis

sporotrichosis, subacute or chronic infection with the fungus Sporothrix, primarily Sporothrix schenckii. Infection usually is characterized by a chancre at the site of inoculation and, extending from the site, a chain of hard, red, pus-generating lumps along the lymphatics of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The fungus, which is most commonly found in the soil or on vegetation or decaying wood, typically enters the body through a scratch or abrasion. Inhalation of the fungus may cause pulmonary sporotrichosis. Cutaneous lymphatic sporotrichosis is painless and feverless; it usually responds to treatment with the antifungal drug itraconazole or with supersaturated potassium iodide. In its rare blood-borne disseminated form, sporotrichosis may affect the muscles, bones, joints, or central nervous system, causing fever, weight loss, fatigue, and pain; this form of the disease may respond to treatment with itraconazole, which has largely supplanted the antifungal amphotericin B.