Fungal Infections Flashcards
What is sporotrichosis caused by?
Sporothrix fungus
It is considered a neglected tropical disease.
What is the common presentation of sporotrichosis?
Cutaneous infection
It causes significant health and economic problems in tropical and subtropical regions.
Which species of Sporothrix is most common in the U.S.?
Sporothrix schenckii (S. schenckii)
Found in plant matter.
What species of Sporothrix is increasing in South America?
Sporothrix brasiliensis (S. brasiliensis)
Transmitted by cats.
How is sporotrichosis best diagnosed?
Culturing clinical specimens
Molecular methods like PCR can also be used.
What is the typical treatment duration for sporotrichosis?
3-6 months of oral antifungal medication
Severe infections may require intravenous treatment.
What are the common sources of Sporothrix exposure?
- Soil
- Plants (e.g., sphagnum moss, rose bushes, hay)
- Bites or scratches from infected cats
Infections often occur through skin lacerations.
What is another name for sporotrichosis due to its common source?
Rose gardener’s disease
Refers to the typical exposure from rose thorns.
What are the clinical features of cutaneous sporotrichosis?
- Subcutaneous nodules or abscesses
- Ulcerative lesions
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Less common is the extracutaneous or disseminated infection.
What can the extracutaneous form of sporotrichosis cause?
- Ocular lesions
- Respiratory infections
- Pulmonary cavitation
- Bone invasion
- Encephalitis and meningitis
Particularly affects immunocompromised individuals.
What antifungal medication is typically used for sporotrichosis?
Oral itraconazole
Other options include SSKI, posaconazole, terbinafine, and fluconazole.
What may be required for severe sporotrichosis?
Amphotericin B as initial therapy
Prolonged treatment is often necessary.
What is a potential treatment for patients with thick keratotic skin lesions?
Cryosurgery
May also be considered for pregnant patients.
True or False: Serological tests for antibody detection have consistent performance across all disease presentations.
False
Performance can vary depending on the disease presentation.
What is the most common form of human sporotrichosis?
Cutaneous
Less common forms include extracutaneous or disseminated infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
List the cutaneous forms of human sporotrichosis.
- Subcutaneous nodules or abscesses
- Ulcerative lesions
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Hypersensitivity reactions
What can the extracutaneous and disseminated forms of sporotrichosis cause?
- Ocular lesions
- Respiratory infections
- Pulmonary cavitation
- Bone invasion
- Encephalitis and meningitis
What protective measures should patients take to prevent sporotrichosis?
Wear protective clothing, like gloves and long sleeves, when handling plant matter or hay.
What should patients avoid in areas with high rates of S. brasiliensis?
Contact with cats with sores or wounds.
What precautions should veterinary professionals take when examining cats?
- Wear examination gloves when handling cats with suspected infections
- Take precautions to avoid scratches or bites
- Wash any wounds from scratches or bites promptly with soap and water
- Seek health care immediately if they develop skin lesions
True or False: Cat-to-human transmission of sporotrichosis is common in the United States.
False
Currently, cat-to-human transmission is rare in the United States.
Fill in the blank: Bites or scratches from infected animals can cause _______.
[infections]
