Sporothrix schenckii

Taxobox
name = "Sporothrix schenckii"

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image_width = 220px
image_caption = "Sporothrix schenckii"
regnum = Fungi
divisio = Ascomycota
classis = Euascomycetes
ordo = Ophiostomatales
familia = Ophiostomataceae
genus = "Sporothrix"
species = "S. schenckii"
binomial = "Sporothrix schenckii"
binomial_authority =

"Sporothrix schenckii" is a thermally-dimorphic fungus that can be found world-wide, and is the only active species of the genus "Sporothrix".

The species is present in soil, and in vital and decomposing plant material such as peat moss. Colonies grow moderately rapidly at 25°C. They are moist, leathery to velvety, and have a finely wrinkled surface. The colour is white initially and becomes cream to dark brown in time (“dirty candle-wax” colour). At 37°C, colonies are yeast-like and creamy. The colour is cream to beige. The conversion of the mould form to the yeast form is identification of "Sporothrix schenckii". Infections due to "Sporothrix schenckii" are more common at certain geographical areas. Peru is an area of hyperendemicity for "Sporothrix schenckii" infections. [Pappas, P. G., I. Tellez, A. E. Deep, D. Nolasco, W. Holgado, and B. Bustamante. 2000. Sporotrichosis in Peru: Description of an area of hyperendemicity. "Clin. Infect. Dis." 30: 65–70.] "Sporothrix schenckii" is the causative agent of sporotrichosis or rose-handler's disease. Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous infection and it starts following entry of the infecting fungus through the skin via a minor injury and may affect an otherwise healthy individual. Following entry, the infection may spread via the lymphatic route (nodular lymphangitis may develop). Patients infected with "Sporothrix schenckii" may be misdiagnosed as pyoderma gangrenosum due to the large ulcerations observed during the course of sporotrichosis. [ [http://www.doctorfungus.org/thefungi/sporothrix.htm "Sporothrix" spp.] Doctor Fungus.]

References