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Epidemic cutaneous sporotrichosis
P Campos1, R Arenas, H Coronado
1Department of Dermatology, Aranda de la Parra Hospital, León, Mexico.
International Journal of Dermatology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
An unusual family epidemic of sporotrichosis occurred after exposure to a contaminated camping tent. This rare fungal infection, sporotrichosis, presented with disseminated cutaneous lesions in non-immunodeficient individuals.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii.
- Lymphocutaneous and fixed forms are most common; disseminated cases are rare.
- Familial outbreaks have been reported sporadically.
Observation:
- Four individuals from two families contracted sporotrichosis.
- Exposure occurred after sleeping in an old, rust-stained camping tent.
- The tent was identified as the source of infection.
Findings:
- All patients presented with polymorphic lesions.
- Three cases exhibited multiple inoculation sites.
- Disseminated cutaneous sporotrichosis occurred in non-immunodeficient patients.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare instance of sporotrichosis transmission from a camping tent.
- It underscores the potential for disseminated disease in immunocompetent individuals.
- Environmental contamination with Sporothrix schenckii can lead to unusual outbreaks.