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Sporotrichosis associated with sphagnum moss exposure
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|January 1, 1981
Abstract:
A minor outbreak of culture-proved cutaneous sporotrichosis occurred in three employees of a commercial nursery in eastern Minnesota. All three had known exposure to sphagnum moss used for the packing of plant roots. Sporothrix schenkii was grown from a culture of sphagnum moss used at the nursery. The supplier of the moss is located in Wisconsin.
Insights
A minor outbreak of cutaneous sporotrichosis occurred in three nursery employees exposed to sphagnum moss. The fungus Sporothrix schenckii was identified in the moss, confirming it as the source of infection.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Cutaneous sporotrichosis is a fungal infection typically associated with plant material.
- Occupational exposure to soil and plants can lead to fungal infections in nursery workers.
Observation:
- Three employees at a commercial nursery in eastern Minnesota developed cutaneous sporotrichosis.
- All affected employees reported direct contact with sphagnum moss used for packing plant roots.
Findings:
- Cultures confirmed the presence of Sporothrix schenckii in the sphagnum moss utilized at the nursery.
- The implicated sphagnum moss was sourced from a supplier in Wisconsin.
Implications:
- This outbreak highlights sphagnum moss as a potential reservoir for Sporothrix schenckii.
- Implementing enhanced handling protocols for sphagnum moss may prevent future occupational infections in horticultural settings.