RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Sporotrichosis is a chronic, deep fungal infection caused by a dimorphic fungus, Sporothrix schenckii. It is widely variable in incidence, distribution and clinical pattern. Clinical manifestations are greatly variable, with important involvement of the skin and the superficial lymphatic system. 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 investigated patients' records for 42 years to identify the prevalence, epidemiological features and changes in clinical findings on sporotrichosis. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective analysis of 118 patients with sporotrichosis for 42 years (1997~2009) by reviewing the medical records and making phone calls to patients if needed. RESULTS: The incidence of sporotrichosis is on a decreasing tendency at this time and incidents were more common for rural residents (80 cases, 67.8%) than urban residents (38 cases, 32.2%). Lymphocutaneous type (86 cases, 73%) is more common than fixed cutaneous type (32 cases, 27%) and the most frequent occupation of patients was farmer (71 cases, 60%). Seasonally, 42 cases (36%) occurred in winter (December to February), showing higher incidency than any other season. The most common site of the skin lesion was right upper extremity. CONCLUSION: We found considerable changes in prevalence, seasonal distribution and clinical findings of sporotrichosis over 42 years.