Sporothrix schenckii var luriei as the cause of sporotrichosis in Italy

Abstract

The second known case of sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix schenckii var. luriei in a patient living in Piacenza, Italy is described. In the absence of cultures, the diagnosis was based on histologic studies. Stained tissue sections (Hematoxylin and eosin, & Gomori methenamine silver) revealed hyaline, large, thick walled tissue form cells that had divided by septation or a budding process. These forms, along with the striking "eyeglass" configuration of incompletely separated cells that were also present, are the diagnostic features of this apparently rare variety. The use of a fluorescent antibody reagent, specific for S. schenckii, confirmed the identity of the etiologic agent.