Sporotrichosis is caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii. Recent research has shown that other Sporothrix species can also cause the infection.
Sporotrichosis is caused by the fungus Sporothrix @ Dr_Microbe /AdobeStock
The disease develops similarly in all cases. It usually sets in when the fungus is forcibly introduced under the skin by a rose thorn or a sharp branch.
Sporotrichosis occurs when injured skin comes into contact with hay or soil containing the fungus. Farmers, nursery workers, gardeners or landscapers are at a higher risk of contracting sporotrichosis.
People with a weakened immune system(HIV patients, cancer sufferers, etc.) also have an increased risk of sporotrichosis.
Animals, such as cats, can also transmit sporotrichosis to humans through scratch wounds.
In very rare cases, infection can occur through ingestion or inhalation of the fungus. However, this infection usually occurs in people with a weakened immune system.
Infection from person to person is not possible. Sporothrix Schenckii is dimorphic (yeast- or hyphae-shaped). In recent years, veterinarians have increasingly diagnosed sporotrichosis in pets, especially in horses and cats.
Cats develop a particularly contagious form of the disease. People who treat this infection have a high risk of also contracting sporotrichosis through a zoonotic infection.
Work gloves and sturdy boots as a preventive measure against sporotrichosis @ encierro /AdobeStock
It can take from days to months for sporotrichosis to break out. The first symptom is a small bump or firm lump with a pink or purple color. The lump is usually painless, at most associated with a slight pulling sensation. Over time, this lump develops into an open, large sore that oozes fluid.
In other cases of sporotrichosis, mycetomas form . These are growths in the skin that lead to larger inflammations. If doctors do not treat these symptoms, they can become chronic and remain unchanged for years.
In 60 percent of cases, the fungus spreads via the lymphatic system. As a result, more and more sores and tumors develop in the affected region. This condition can last for years.
In very rare cases of sporotrichosis, the disease can spread to other parts of the body. It can affect bones, joints, lungs and brain tissue. Infection via the respiratory tract leads to severe whooping cough.
People who become infected with sporotrichosis in this way can develop tuberculosis and pneumonia. This usually occurs in weakened people. The spread of sporotrichosis can then be life-threatening and is difficult to treat.
The symptoms are barely noticeable at the beginning. Over time, however, the inflammations multiply and stretch like a net over the affected part of the body.
If you suspect sporotrichosis, you should consult a doctor to obtain a professional diagnosis and treatment. People who already have the disease should always consult a doctor immediately if the symptoms worsen and/or new ulcers appear.
Normally there is no acute danger to life and limb with sporotrichosis. However, open ulcers can become infected with bacteria, leading to unusual symptoms. So if there is rapidly increasing heat, pain or redness around the ulcers, you should go to the emergency room.
There are a number of infections that are similar to sporotrichosis. Therefore, a doctor will perform various tests to confirm the diagnosis.
These usually include a biopsy (removal of tissue) of an infected lump. The tissue is then examined in a laboratory to determine the pathogen.
Infections that are easily confused with sporotrichosis are
Specialists can distinguish the causative fungus from other pathogens by examining it in isolation and determining its structure.
Another form of diagnosis is the detection of antibodies. People with sporotrichosis develop antibodies against the pathogen Sporothrix schenckii. This diagnosis is not considered certain.
There is no effective self-treatment for sporotrichosis. The ulcers should be kept clean and covered until they heal. The medical treatment depends on the infected area of the body and the physical condition of the patient.
- Sporotrichosis in the skin
Doctors treat this type with a saturated potassium iodide solution. The medication must be taken three times a day over a period of three to six months. The treatment lasts until the ulcers heal. Doctors also treat skin infections with itraconazole. This treatment also lasts for up to six months.
- Sporotrichosis in bones and joints
This form of infection is more difficult to treat, as a potassium iodide solution has little effect. Itraconazole is used from time to time, even for up to a year.
In serious cases, doctors prescribe the drug amphotericin. Amphotericin has stronger side effects than other drugs and takes a long time to take. Another solution is surgical removal of the infected bone.
- Sporotrichosis in the lungs
Doctors also treat sporotrichosis in the lungs with potassium iodide solution, itraconazole or amphotericin. The success rates vary greatly. This can lead to partial removal of the lung tissue.
- Sporotrichosis in the brain
Sporotrichosis meningitis is very rare, information on a standardized treatment does not exist. Treatment with amphotericin with 5-fluorocytosine is recommended. Itraconazole is also useful in these cases.
- Sporotrichosis during pregnancy
Neither the potassium iodide solution nor itraconazole should be used in pregnant women. Pregnant women suffering from sporotrichosis must consult an infectious disease specialist for treatment.
If the treatment of sporotrichosis has been successful, a few more visits to the treating doctor are usually necessary. The doctor will ensure that the infection has completely receded. Further treatment is then usually not necessary.
The most effective prevention is to prevent spores and pathogens from penetrating under the skin and into the body. People who work with roses, soil, hay, moss or twigs should cover all injuries and wounds on the skin.
They should also wear heavy boots and sturdy work gloves to prevent stings or other wounds.
People who have a weak immune system need to be careful when handling roses, hay, soil, moss or twigs. They become infected with sporotrichosis more quickly and are less able to fight the disease effectively.
Most people with sporotrichosis recover completely if they receive the right treatment. Late effects are possible, which can be very mild or very serious if the right treatment is not given in time.
The symptoms can then last for several years. The ulcers can form deep scars that persist in the long term.
Sporotrichosis in the brain, bones, joints or lungs are more difficult to treat. If organs or bones are infected, a surgical operation may be necessary.
