Disseminated sporotrichosis in patients with AIDS: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Sporotrichosis is the disease caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenkii. Disseminated sporotrichosis is an uncommon infection which usually occurs in alcoholics or patients receiving immunosuppressive medication. We report a case of a patient with AIDS who had disseminated sporotrichosis which was progressive and fatal despite antifungal therapy. Four previously reported cases of disseminated sporotrichosis in patients with AIDS are reviewed. Disseminated sporotrichosis occurs in patients with HIV-1 infection and severe CD4 lymphocyte depletion. It usually presents with diffuse cutaneous lesions and is associated with polyarticular arthritis. Response to treatment is variable and chronic suppressive therapy is probably needed to prevent relapse.