Walsh & Hoyt: Sporothrix Schenckii (Sporotrichosis)

Sporothrix schenckii is a dimorphic fungus. Its mold form consists of clusters of pyriformconidia measuring 23 micrometers x 26 micrometers formed sympodially from the tips of distally tapering conidiophores, whereas its yeast form consists of cells that may be round, oval, or cigar-shaped and that vary in size from 4 to 6 micrometers in diameter. This fungus has been isolated from soil, living plants, and plant debris. Human disease, called sporotrichosis, most often occurs after contact with thorny plants, such as roses or sphagnum moss, that implant the fungus in the subcutaneous tissue of the host. Outbreaks of sporotrichosis have occurred among miners, nursery workers, and other groups of persons handling contaminated timbers, mulch, moss, hay, or other plant materials. Indeed, the largest recorded epidemic of sporotrichosis in the United States, involving 84 patients in 15 states, was associated with infected Wisconsin-grown sphagnum moss.