page_title: Sporotrichosis
section_title: Diagnosis
hierarchical_section_title: Sporotrichosis / Diagnosis
caption_attribution_description: ID#:	4208 Description:	This photomicrograph reveals the conidiophores and conidia of the fungus Sporothrix schenckii. Sporotrichosis, caused by the etiologic pathogen Sporothrix schenckii, is a skin infection involving the subcutaneous layer, and manifest itself in the formation of large ulcerations, however, the disease can become systemically disseminated. Content Providers(s):	CDC/Dr. Libero Ajello Creation Date:	1972 Copyright Restrictions:	None - This image is in the public domain and thus free of any copyright restrictions. As a matter of courtesy we request that the content provider be credited and notified in any public or private usage of this image.
context_page_description: Sporotrichosis is a disease caused by the infection of the fungus Sporothrix schenckii. This fungal disease usually affects the skin, although other rare forms can affect the lungs, joints, bones, and even the brain. Because roses can spread the disease, it is one of a few diseases referred to as rose-thorn or rose-gardeners' disease. The species was named for Benjamin Schenck, a medical student who in 1896 was the first to isolate it from a human specimen.
  Because S. schenckii is naturally found in soil, hay, sphagnum moss, and plants, it usually affects farmers, gardeners, and agricultural workers. It enters through small cuts and abrasions in the skin to cause the infection. In case of sporotrichosis affecting the lungs, the fungal spores enter through the respiratory pathways. Sporotrichosis can also be acquired from handling cats with the disease; it is an occupational hazard for veterinarians.
  Sporotrichosis progresses slowly – the first symptoms may appear 1 to 12 weeks after the initial exposure to the fungus. Serious complications can also develop in patients who have a compromised immune system.
context_section_description: Sporotrichosis is a chronic disease with slow progression and often subtle symptoms.  It is difficult to diagnose, as many other diseases share similar symptoms and therefore must be ruled out.
  Patients with sporotrichosis will have antibody against the fungus S. schenckii, however, due to variability in sensitivity and specificity, it may not be a reliable diagnosis for this disease.  The confirming diagnosis remains culturing the fungus from the skin, sputum, synovial fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid. Smears should be taken from the draining tracts and ulcers. 
  Cats with sporotrichosis are unique in that the exudate from their lesions may contain numerous organisms. This makes cytological evaluation of exudate a valuable diagnostic tool in this species. Exudate is pyogranulomatous and phagocytic cells may be packed with yeast forms. These are variable in size, but many are cigar-shaped.
caption: Conidiophores and conidia of the fungus Sporothrix schenckii
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