Sporotrichosis Health Dictionary

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Sporotrichosis: From 2 Different Sources

A chronic infection caused by the fungus SPOROTHRIX SCHENCKII, which grows on plants.

The infection is most often contracted through a skin wound; gardeners are particularly vulnerable.

An ulcer develops at the site of the wound, followed by the formation of nodules in lymph channels around the site.

Potassium iodide solution taken orally usually clears up the infection.

Rarely, in people with reduced immunity, sporotrichosis spreads to other parts of the body and requires treatment with amphotericin, an antifungal drug.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
n. a chronic infection of the skin and superficial lymph nodes that is caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii and results in the formation of abscesses and ulcers. It occurs mainly in the tropics.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Fungal Infections

Diseases that are caused by the multiplication and spread of fungi. Some fungi are harmlessly present all the time in areas of the body such as the mouth, skin, intestines, and vagina. However, they are prevented from multiplying by competition from bacteria. Other fungi are dealt with by the body’s immune system.

Fungal infections are therefore more common and serious in people taking long-term antibiotic drugs (which destroy the bacterial competition) and in those whose immune systems are suppressed by immunosuppressant drugs, corticosteroid drugs, or by a disorder such as AIDS. Such serious fungal infections are described as opportunistic infections. Some fungal infections are more common in people with diabetes mellitus.

Fungal infections can be classified into superficial (affecting skin, hair, nails, inside of the mouth, and genital organs); subcutaneous (beneath the skin); and deep (affecting internal organs).

The main superficial infections are tinea (including ringworm and athlete’s foot) and candidiasis (thrush), both of which are common. Subcutaneous infections, which are rare, include sporotrichosis and mycetoma. Deep infections are uncommon but can be serious and include aspergillosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and blastomycosis. The fungal spores enter the body by inhalation.

Treatment of fungal infections is with antifungal drugs, either used topically on the infected area or given by mouth for generalized infections.... fungal infections

Mycosis

n. any disease caused by a fungus, including actinomycosis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, rhinosporidiosis, ringworm, and sporotrichosis.... mycosis

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