Disseminated subcutaneous sporotrichosis in an immunocompetent patient: A case report and a systematic literature review

Abstract

Sporotrichosis is a subacute and chronic infectious disease caused by the infection of the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and nearby lymphatic vessels by the sporotrichosis complex. In this study, we report an immunocompetent case of disseminated subcutaneous sporotrichosis and provide a literature review of all case reports of disseminated subcutaneous sporotrichosis for which species identification was performed. A 74-year-old male patient with normal immune function was diagnosed with disseminated subcutaneous sporotrichosis. Sporadic red masses of varying sizes with local ulceration were observed on his right forearm, wrist, and little finger. Pathology of the mass in the right upper extremity indicated chronic suppurative inflammation of the subcutaneous soft tissue. The mNGS results indicated the presence of Sporothrix schenckii. Following the standard treatment with itraconazole, the patient's skin lesions healed without scarring or pigmentation. Disseminated subcutaneous sporotrichosis is less common in patients with a normal immune function. mNGS testing aids in the clear diagnosis of sporotrichosis and guides antifungal drug selection during treatment.