The organism derives its name from R B Schenck, who first reported the infection in 1898. Sporothrix typically exists as a saprophytic mold on vegetative matter in humid climates worldwide. A dimorphic fungus, the organism exhibits mycelial forms at 25 C and a yeast form at 37 C. Cutaneous infection often results from a puncture wound involving thorns or other plant matter. Other more unusual reported causes include squirrel bites and trauma induced by liposuction. Any compromise of the skin barrier with subsequent seeding could potentially cause infection.
Sporotrichosis usually occurs sporadically as isolated cases.
Occasionally, groups of individuals are infected after being exposed to the organism. An outbreak in the US in 1988 affected 84 people who handled sphagnum moss. An unusually large outbreak occurred in Africa in the 1940s in over 3000 miners who had frequent physical contact with wood timber supports. This contributed significantly to our current understanding of Sporothrix schenckii , its growth patterns, and its mechanisms of dissemination. Finally, veterinarians, their assistants, and pet owners have been reported as infected in small clusters.