Sporotrichosis.
Sporotrichosis is the most common subcutaneous mycosis. It is usually acquired by traumatic inoculation, and it is caused by one of the species of the Sporothrix schenckii complex. More than 6 species, such as S schenckii sensu stricto, Sporothrix brasiliensis, Sporothrix globosa, Sporothrix mexicana, and Sporothrix albicans, have been identified by molecular techniques. The most common presentation is cutaneous disease, which is classified into fixed and lymphocutaneous forms. Osteoarticular, pulmonary, mucosal, disseminated, and systemic infections are less common and usually occur in immunosuppressed individuals. The diagnosis is suggested by biopsy specimen and confirmed by tissue culture. Itraconazole is considered the treatment of choice, although in some undeveloped countries potassium iodide is still used, owing to its safety and low cost. For systemic or disseminated cases, amphotericin B is the treatment of choice.
Mycology Section, Department of Dermatology, Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez General Hospital, Calzada de Tlalpan 4800, Colonia Sección XVI, Mexico, DF, Mexico. elsavmk@yahoo.com
Elsa
E
Vásquez-del-Mercado
Roberto
R
Arenas
Carmen
C
Padilla-Desgarenes
D000666:Amphotericin B / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004199:Disease Vectors; D006801:Humans; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011193:Potassium Iodide / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013175:Sporothrix / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013174:Sporotrichosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000635:transmission
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D011193:Potassium Iodide; D017964:Itraconazole; D000666:Amphotericin B