SPOROTRICHOSIS

subacute or chronic infection by the fungus Sporotrichum, or Sporothrix, schenckii, usually characterized by a chancre at the site of inoculation and, extending from the site, a chain of hard, red, pus-generating lumps along the lymphatics of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The fungus, which is most commonly found in the soil or on vegetation or decaying wood, most often enters the body through a scratch or abrasion. Inhalation of the fungus may cause pulmonary sporotrichosis. Cutaneous lymphatic sporotrichosis is painless and feverless; it usually responds quickly to treatment with potassium iodide. In its rare, blood-borne, disseminated form, sporotrichosis may affect the muscles, bones, joints, or central nervous system, causing fever, weight loss, fatigue, and pain; this form of the disease may respond to treatment with the antibiotic amphotericin B.