SPOROTRICHOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Sporotrichosis is a chronic fungal infection caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii. The term "sporotrichosis" originates from the combination of two words; "sporo," which is derived from spore, referring to the infectious spores produced by the fungus, and "thricosis," which refers to the growth of hair.
Sporotrichosis primarily affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues, but it can also spread to other body systems. The infection is typically acquired through direct contact with contaminated soil, plants, or organic matter, although it can also be transmitted from animals to humans. Regions with warm and humid climates, such as tropical and subtropical areas, tend to have a higher prevalence of this fungal infection.
The disease typically presents as a painless, slowly enlarging skin lesion at the site of infection. The initial lesion may develop into a chain of nodules or ulcers that follow the lymphatic channels. In some cases, sporotrichosis can disseminate to other organs, leading to more severe symptoms. Immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are more susceptible to disseminated forms of sporotrichosis.
Diagnosis of sporotrichosis is often confirmed by fungal culture from a specimen obtained from the affected skin or other involved tissues. Treatment typically involves the use of antifungal medications, such as itraconazole or potassium iodide, for several months or until complete resolution of the infection. If left untreated, sporotrichosis can lead to chronic skin ulcers and potential complications involving other organ systems.
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A cutaneous and subcutaneous mycosis (affecting also the mucous membrane of the mouth and pharynx) caused by mucedines of the genus Sporotrichum; three forms are described a disseminated gummatous form (s. beurmanni), a gummatous lymphangitis (s. schenkii), and a form characterized by the presence of multiple abscesses (s. dori).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SPOROTRICHOSIS
- aporotrichosis
- zporotrichosis
- xporotrichosis
- dporotrichosis
- eporotrichosis
- wporotrichosis
- soorotrichosis
- slorotrichosis
- s-orotrichosis
- s0orotrichosis
- spirotrichosis
- spkrotrichosis
- splrotrichosis
- spprotrichosis
- sp0rotrichosis
- sp9rotrichosis
- spoeotrichosis
- spodotrichosis
- spofotrichosis
Etymology of SPOROTRICHOSIS
The word "sporotrichosis" has its roots in Latin and Greek.
The Latin word "sporotrichum" is derived from the Greek words "sporos", which means seed or spore, and "thrix", which means hair. In Latin, "sporotrichum" refers to a seed or spore that develops into a fungus.
The term "sporotrichosis" was first coined by the French dermatologist Beurmann, combining the Latin word "sporotrichum" with the Greek suffix "-osis", which means disease or abnormal condition. Therefore, "sporotrichosis" translates to "disease caused by Sporotrichum", referring to the fungal infection caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii.
