Fatal sporotrichosis

Cutis. 2006 Oct;78(4):253-6.

Abstract

Disseminated sporotrichosis is a serious fungal infection caused by the soil inhabitant Sporothrix schenckii. It is seen in immunocompromised patients, with a substantial number of recent cases involving patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, individuals with other conditions that affect the immune system also are at increased risk. We report a case of fatal disseminated sporotrichosis in a patient with liver disease and a diagnosis of a granulomatous condition presumed to be sarcoidosis; the patient was receiving systemic corticosteroid therapy. The various presentations of S schenckii infection, the risk of disseminated disease in immunocompromised hosts, and the importance of making accurate histologic diagnoses are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects*
  • Extremities
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sarcoidosis / complications*
  • Sarcoidosis / drug therapy
  • Sporothrix / isolation & purification
  • Sporotrichosis / diagnosis
  • Sporotrichosis / drug therapy
  • Sporotrichosis / etiology*
  • Sporotrichosis / microbiology

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones