What is Pulmonary sporotrichosis?

Pulmonary sporotrichosis is a rare clinical entity caused by the thermally dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. [1] Pulmonary sporotrichosis is usually a disseminated infection secondary to cutaneous sporotrichosis acquired by traumatic inoculation.

How long does sporotrichosis take to heal?

The usual treatment for sporotrichosis is oral itraconazole (Sporanox) for about three to six months; other treatments include supersaturated potassium iodide and amphotericin B in patients with more severe disease.

What is the prognosis of sporotrichosis?

Spontaneous resolution of cutaneous and lymphocutaneous forms of sporotrichosis has been documented. The prognosis is excellent for complete recovery after therapy, although the response to therapy may vary. Pulmonary sporotrichosis may contribute to declining pulmonary function in patients with COPD.

How serious is a fungal infection in the lungs?

Fungal infections in the lungs can be more serious and often cause symptoms that are similar to other illnesses, such as bacterial pneumonia or tuberculosis. Fungal meningitis and bloodstream infections are less common than skin and lung infections but can be life-threatening.

What does sporotrichosis feel like?

The first symptom of cutaneous (skin) sporotrichosis is usually a small, painless bump that can develop any time from 1 to 12 weeks after exposure to the fungus. The bump can be red, pink, or purple, and usually appears on the finger, hand, or arm where the fungus has entered through a break in the skin.

What medication is used for sporotrichosis?

The agent of choice is itraconazole [2]. The rare cases of life-threatening, visceral, or disseminated infection require therapy with intravenous amphotericin B, which is also used in patients who do not respond to itraconazole. The treatment of the various manifestations of sporotrichosis will be reviewed.

What are the symptoms of pulmonary sporotrichosis?

Additional bumps or sores may appear later near the original one. Pulmonary (lung) sporotrichosis is rare. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fever. Symptoms of disseminated sporotrichosis depend on the body part affected.

Is there a way to diagnose cutaneous sporotrichosis?

If your doctor suspects pulmonary sporotrichosis, they may order a blood test. Sometimes blood tests can also help diagnose severe forms of cutaneous sporotrichosis. Getting the right treatment depends on the results of these tests. Fungal infections like sporotrichosis depend on medical treatments to get rid of the fungus from the body.

Can a person get pulmonary sporotrichosis from a cat?

This subtype is called pulmonary sporotrichosis. It may cause breathing difficulties, chest pain, cough, fever, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss. Sporotrichosis can also be spread to humans from infected animals (especially cats) through scratches and bites. However, it isn’t spread between people. According to BMJ Case Reports

Where does sporotrichosis usually occur on the body?

Skin on the hands or arms is most commonly affected. Cutaneous (skin) sporotrichosis is the most common form of the infection. It usually occurs on a person’s hand or the arm after touching contaminated plant matter. Pulmonary (lung) sporotrichosis is rare but can happen after someone breathes in fungal spores from the environment.