Sporotrichoid Skin Changes

Background

Sporotrichoid skin lesions have a characteristic lymphangitic spread with nodules that ascend proximally along lymphatic vessels.

DISEASE CHARACTERIZATION

Sporotrichosis

Nocardiosis (brasiliensis)

Coccidioidomycosis

Streptococcus

Pasteurella tularensis Atypical mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium marinum and M kansasii, as well as Pasteurella tularensis and Nocardia brasiliensis can also cause sporotrichoid infections.2-5 These infections may suffer the same difficulties in diagnosis as sporotrichosis.

SPECIAL STAINS/IMMUNOPEROXIDASE/OTHER CHARACTERIZATION

Immunoperoxidase

Utility of anti-bacillus Calmette-Guérin antibodies as a screen for organisms in sporotrichoid infections

J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;44:261-4

Thirteen specimens of suspected sporotrichosis were selected for staining with anti-BCG antibody

Sporotrichoid infection was confirmed by histochemical staining, biopsy, and follow-up results

Results: Twelve of the 13 specimens stained positively using anti-BCG antibody

Of the 5 cultures done, 2 were positive for M marinum, and 1 grew Sporothrix schenckii.

Conclusion: Immunohistochemical staining with anti-BCG antibody offers another screening method to identify organisms in sporotrichoid infections because of its ease, cost-effectiveness, and simplicity

Arch Dermatol 1963;88:158-62.
Arch Dermatol 1980;116:207-8.
Arch Dermatol 1969;100:54-8.

Commonly Used Terms

Skin

Last Updated 2/18/2001

DISEASE	CHARACTERIZATION
Sporotrichosis
Nocardiosis (brasiliensis)
Coccidioidomycosis
Streptococcus
Pasteurella tularensis	Atypical mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium marinum and M kansasii, as well as Pasteurella tularensis and Nocardia brasiliensis can also cause sporotrichoid infections.2-5 These infections may suffer the same difficulties in diagnosis as sporotrichosis.