Sporotrichosis in a Nutshell

Classical presentation of sporotrichosis contain the following findings:

  • Patient who is a gardener/landscaper, or who recently was exposed to decaying plant matter/soil
  • Acute development of a single papule that ulcerates 
  • Odorless, non-purulent drainage 
  • Subsequent ulcerating papules proximal to the first on the affected extremity
  • No systemic symptoms 
With this classical picture, the pathogen in question is the dimorphic fungus Sporotrix schenckii, which causes its namesake condition, sporotrichosis. Diagnosis requires aspiration or culture. Treatment is 3 - 6 months of itraconazole. 

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