Clinical Characteristics, Risk Factors, Diagnostic Methods and Therapeutic Response of Cutaneous Sporotrichosis Infection In An Endemic Region
10.17576/JSKM-2026-2401-05
- Author:
Shen Wei Lee
1
;
Dy-win Low
1
;
Ken Chen Loh
1
;
Adawiyah Jamil
2
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, 05460 Alor Setar, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia;
2. Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000 Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Sporothrix schenchkii sensu stricto;
sporotrichosis;
mycosis;
zoonosis.
- From:Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences
2026;24(No. 1):44-51
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Cutaneous sporotrichosis is a fungal infection caused by traumatic inoculation of Sporothrix. We aimed to study
the clinical characteristics of human sporotrichosis, risk factors for infection, the yield of diagnostic methods and
therapeutic response to standard clinical therapy. A cohort study of was performed. A total of 29 patients with
clinical features suggestive of sporotrichosis were recruited within a one-year period from all public hospitals in
Kedah, Malaysia. Majority were females (86%) who were housewives (69%). The most common comorbidities
were diabetes mellitus (38%), hypertension (31%) and dyslipidaemia (21%), none was a significant risk factor for
severity of infection. Mean duration of disease was 2±2 months. More than 2/3 of the patients (79%) had pet cats,
14(48%) recalled minor cat-inflicted trauma. Lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis (62%) was more common than
fixed cutaneous type, affecting the upper limbs in 94%. Ulcerations and nodules were the main lesion morphology.
Histopathology showed granulomatous inflammation in 72%, culture grew Sprorothrix in 55% and polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) detected Sporothrix schenkii sensu stricto in 65%. Itraconazole was effective with 93% of
patients achieving complete resolution with 4 months of therapy. Sporotrichosis in Malaysia remains endemic.
Feline contact is the most important risk factor for infection. Diagnosis is best confirmed with tissue PCR while
culture and histopathology are also useful. Sporothrix schenkii sensu stricto was the only species identified and
itraconazole is an effective first line therapeutic agent.
- Full text:202603191129280535380332-319531-2-PB.pdf
