Granulomatous synovitis and osteitis caused by Sporothrix schenckii

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection that can affect bones and joints.
• Diagnosis can be challenging due to difficulties in direct visualization of the causative agent.

Observation:

• Two cases of sporotrichosis involving bones and joints are presented.
• One patient experienced sporothrix arthritis, while the other had both sporothrix arthritis and osteitis.

Findings:

• The causative organism, Sporothrix schenckii, grows readily on standard fungal culture media.
• The patient with osteitis underwent multiple surgeries and was initially misdiagnosed with tuberculous arthritis.

Implications:

• Sporotrichosis should be included in the differential diagnosis for granulomatous inflammation of the musculoskeletal system.
• Prompt fungal culture is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of bone and joint sporotrichosis.