A study on the 71 cases of sporotrichosis over 38 recent years (1968-2005)

Background: Sporotrichosis is a subacute to chronic, deep fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii and has a wide variety of clinical presentations. Although sporotrichosis is the most common deep fungal infection in Korea, few reports have included a long term investigation and survey of sporotrichosis. Objective: We analyzed patients' records for 38 recent years to identify the incidence and changes in clinical findings on sporotrichosis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 71 patients with sporotrichosis for 38 recent years (1968 - 2005) by reviewing the medical records and making phone calls to patients if needed. Results: The incidence of sporotrichosis is currently on a decreasing trend and incidents were more common for rural residents (43 cases, 60.6%) than urban residents (28 cases, 39.4%). The most frequent occupation of patients was 'farmer' (37 cases, 52%). Seasonally, twenty seven cases (38.0%) occurred in winter (December to February), showing higher incidence than any other season. Lympho-cutaneous type (53 cases, 74.6%) is more common than fixed cutaneous type (18 cases, 25.4%) and the most common site of the initial lesion was left upper extremity. Of 47 patients who had primary lesion on upper extremity, 39 (83%) were of the lympho-cutaneous type, and of 15 patients who had primary lesion on face, 9 (60%) were of the fixed cutaneous type. Conclusion: According to this study, some changes in clinical findings and prevalence of sporotrichosis over the study period were noted. Further observation and analysis are required to clarify the meaning of these changes.