Epidemiological, Clinical, and Histopathological Characteristics of Patients with Sporotrichoid Lymphocutaneous Infection in Southern Thailand: A 10-Year Retrospective Study

Sporotrichoid lymphocutaneous infection is caused by a variety of pathogens. However, in most cases, the causative pathogen cannot be identified on the basis of clinical and histopathological features. We examined the clinical manifestations, histopathologic findings, causative pathogens, treatment, and prognostic factors of sporotrichoid lymphocutaneous infection, specifically in the context of Thailand. The electronic medical records of patients with sporotrichoid lymphocutaneous infection who visited Songklanagarind Hospital from January 2000 to December 2010 were reviewed. A total of 53 patients were included; 41 (77.4%) were female, 12 (22.6%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 52.9 (± 15.9) years. Nodules, plaques, and papules were the most commonly observed morphologies. Upper extremities were the most commonly infected sites. Mammal-caused injuries were associated with fungal infection but not at a statistically significant level. The most common histopathologic finding was suppurative granuloma. The identified causative pathogens were mainly dematiaceous fungus and occasionally nontuberculous Mycobacterium. Itraconazole was the medication of choice for empiric and specific treatment of the patients with confirmed fungal infection. Dematiaceous fungi were the most common identified pathogens causing sporotrichoid lymphocutaneous infection in southern Thailand. Empirical itraconazole is useful, especially in patients who report contact injury caused by pets at the primary lesion site. Skin biopsy for tissue histopathology and culture is essential.