Sporotrichosis pathophysiology

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Alison Leibowitz [2]

Overview

S. schenckii is usually transmitted via posttraumatic inoculation to the human host, however, infrequently sporotrichosis may also develop as a result of spore inhalation. The pathophysiology of sporotrichosis depends on the histological subtype and the frequently nonspecific histopathology may mimic other granulomatous diseases.^[1] S. schenckii is capable of modulating the immune response to promote its own survival by blocking cytokine production by macrophages.^[2]

Pathophysiology

Transmission

S. schenckii is usually transmitted to the human host via posttraumatic inoculation. However, sporotrichosis may also develop as a result of spore inhalation, although this mode of transmission is infrequent.
Modes of transmission either lead to direct inoculation or enable the entry of the fungus.

Actions, such as handling thorny plants, sphagnum moss, bales of hay, or any plant or plant product that can cause skin trauma, may enable S. schenckii entry.

Pathogenesis

The pathophysiology of sporotrichosis depends on the histological subtype and the frequently nonspecific histopathology may mimic other granulomatous diseases.^[1]
S. schenckii is capable of modulating the immune response to promote its own survival by blocking cytokine production by macrophages.^[2]

Cutaneous forms

S. schecknii accesses the subcutaneous tissue following minor epidermal trauma.
S. schecknii, a thermo-dependent fungus, converts into its yeast form upon entering the tissue.

Fixed form
- The yeast form of S. schenckii remains localized in subcutaneous tissue
Lymphocutaneous form
- The yeast form of S. schenckii extends through the nearby lymphatic vessels
Disseminated cutaneous form
- Manifests upon the hematogenous dissemination of the yeast form of S. schenckii

Extracutaneous/Systematic Forms

Osteoarticular form
- May manifest upon contiguity or hematogenous spread
Pulmonary form
- Manifests following inhalation of S. schenckii spores
Disseminated form
- Manifests upon the hematogenous dissemination of the yeast form of S. schenckii^[3]

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 Mahajan VK (2014). “Sporotrichosis: an overview and therapeutic options”. Dermatol Res Pract. 2014: 272376. doi:10.1155/2014/272376. PMC 4295339. PMID 25614735.CS1 maint: PMC format (link)
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 Carlos IZ, Sassá MF, da Graça Sgarbi DB, Placeres MC, Maia DC (July 2009). “Current research on the immune response to experimental sporotrichosis”. Mycopathologia. 168 (1): 1–10. doi:10.1007/s11046-009-9190-z. PMID 19241140.
↑ Barros MB, de Almeida Paes R, Schubach AO (2011). “Sporothrix schenckii and Sporotrichosis”. Clin Microbiol Rev. 24 (4): 633–54. doi:10.1128/CMR.00007-11. PMC 3194828. PMID 21976602.

[pmid25614735-1] 1.0 ^1.1 Mahajan VK (2014). “Sporotrichosis: an overview and therapeutic options”. Dermatol Res Pract. 2014: 272376. doi:10.1155/2014/272376. PMC 4295339. PMID 25614735.CS1 maint: PMC format (link)

[Carlos-2] 2.0 ^2.1 Carlos IZ, Sassá MF, da Graça Sgarbi DB, Placeres MC, Maia DC (July 2009). “Current research on the immune response to experimental sporotrichosis”. Mycopathologia. 168 (1): 1–10. doi:10.1007/s11046-009-9190-z. PMID 19241140.

[pmid21976602-3] Barros MB, de Almeida Paes R, Schubach AO (2011). “Sporothrix schenckii and Sporotrichosis”. Clin Microbiol Rev. 24 (4): 633–54. doi:10.1128/CMR.00007-11. PMC 3194828. PMID 21976602.

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