Open AccessDisseminated sporotrichosis in a person with human immunodeficiency virus disease
Author(s) -
Vhudzani Tshisevhe,
Lebogang Skosana,
Kagiso Motse,
Tinashe Maphosa,
Barend Mitton
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
access microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2516-8290
DOI - 10.1099/acmi.0.000262
Subject(s) - sporotrichosis , medicine , sporothrix schenckii , itraconazole , tuberculosis , syphilis , dimorphic fungus , differential diagnosis , dermatology , opportunistic infection , sporothrix , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , immunology , pathology , viral disease , antifungal , biology , genetics , yeast
. Disseminated sporotrichosis is an incapacitating infection caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii . Because this condition may mimic the presentation of tuberculosis, syphilis and other bacterial infections, the diagnosis may be missed or delayed. Case Presentation. We describe a case of disseminated sporotrichosis in a patient with poorly controlled human immunodeficiency virus infection. The patient was initially treated for bacterial skin infections. The differential diagnosis also included tuberculosis and syphilis. Only after appropriate specimens had been sent for microbiological and histopathological investigations was the diagnosis of disseminated sporotrichosis made and appropriate treatment started. The patient showed a good clinical response to itraconazole. Conclusion. This report highlights the importance of having a high index of suspicion of endemic mycoses when managing immunocompromised patients. The report also demonstrates that a delay in the diagnosis of sporotrichosis increases morbidity and results in unnecessary and inappropriate treatment with associated costs and adverse effects.