Current Insights into Sporothrix schenckii: From Basic Biology to Virulence Mechanisms

TL;DR

This review summarizes the biology, virulence, and treatment of Sporothrix schenckii, a fungus causing sporotrichosis, highlighting its global medical importance.

Contribution

The paper provides an updated and comprehensive overview of S. schenckii's biology, virulence mechanisms, and clinical relevance.

Findings

S. schenckii produces melanin and uses thermotolerance to survive in hosts.

The fungus causes a range of infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Treatment typically involves itraconazole, with amphotericin B for severe cases.

Abstract

Sporothrix schenckii is a thermodimorphic fungus and one of the main etiological agents of sporotrichosis, a globally distributed subcutaneous mycosis that primarily affects the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and lymphatic system. Historically regarded as the classical species within the Sporothrix pathogenic clade, S. schenckii remains a clinically relevant pathogen and an important biological model for studying fungal dimorphism, virulence, and host–pathogen interactions. Major virulence factors include melanin production, thermotolerance, hydrolytic enzymes, and adhesins, all of which contribute to its survival and dissemination within the host. Clinically, S. schenckii causes a broad spectrum of manifestations ranging from fixed and lymphocutaneous cutaneous forms to disseminated and extracutaneous infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. This species exhibits a cosmopolitan distribution with endemic foci in the Americas, Asia, and Africa, and can be transmitted through both sapronotic and zoonotic routes. Diagnosis relies on fungal isolation, molecular identification, and histopathological examination, whereas treatment mainly involves itraconazole, potassium iodide, and amphotericin B for severe cases. This review integrates current knowledge on the biology, virulence, immune response, epidemiology, and treatment of S. schenckii, providing an updated overview of its significance as a medically important fungal pathogen with global relevance.

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