Sporothrix schenckii

Sporothrix schenckii
Conidiophores and conidia
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Fungi
Division:	Ascomycota
Class:	Sordariomycetes
Order:	Ophiostomatales
Family:	Ophiostomataceae
Genus:	Sporothrix
Species:	S. schenckii
Binomial name
Sporothrix schenckii Hektoen & C.F.Perkins (1900)

Sporothrix schenckii is a thermally dimorphic fungus that can be found world-wide.

Sporothrix schenckii in Sabouraud agar

The species is present in soil, and in vital and decomposing plant material such as peat moss. Colonies grow moderately rapidly at 25 °C (77 °F). They are moist, leathery to velvety, and have a finely wrinkled surface. The colour is white initially and becomes cream to dark brown in time (“dirty candle-wax” colour). At 37 °C (99 °F), colonies are yeast-like and creamy. The colour is cream to beige. The conversion of the mold form to the yeast form is identification of Sporothrix schenckii. Infections due to Sporothrix schenckii are more common at certain geographical areas. Peru is an area of hyperendemicity for Sporothrix schenckii infections. Sporothrix schenckii is the causative agent of sporotrichosis or rose-handler's disease. Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous infection, and it starts following entry of the infecting fungus through the skin via a minor injury (as in penetration by a rose thorn carrying the fungus) and may affect an otherwise healthy individual. Following entry, the infection may spread via the lymphatic route (nodular lymphangitis may develop). Patients infected with Sporothrix schenckii may be misdiagnosed as pyoderma gangrenosum due to the large ulcerations observed during the course of sporotrichosis.

Treatment

The treatment of Sporothrix schenckii includes ingestion of a saturated solution of potassium iodide (KI) as well as other antibiotic treatments for superficial fungal infections. KI treatment side effects include extreme gastrointestinal upset.