These mycoses are rare and confined mainly to tropical regions. They tend to be slow in onset and chronic in duration. An example is sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix schenckii. Sporotrichosis was once common in Europe but cases are now rare. The disease is most prevalent the Americas, South Africa and Australia.
Infection usually follows and insect bite, thorn prick or scratch from a fish spine.
Certain occupation groups appear to have increased risk from infection. These include florists, farm workers and others who handle hay and moss. The most common symptom is a ulcerative lesion that may develop into lymphangitis. These are invasive infections of the internal organs with the organism gaining entry by the lungs, gastrointestinal tract or through intravenous lines. Primary Pathogenic Fungi Infection occurs in previously healthy persons and arises through the respiratory route.