PREVALENCE, EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GEOGRAPHICAL-DISTRIBUTION OF SPOROTHRIX-SCHENCKII INFECTIONS IN GAUTENG, SOUTH-AFRICA

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous fungal infection caused by the trauma tic implantation of the dimorphic, pathogenic fungus, Sporothrix schen kii. It constitutes the most common subcutaneous fungal infection in t he general population in South Africa. Sporotrichosis in South Africa dates back to 1914, when the disease was first diagnosed in the gold m ines. Occupational and recreational circumstances of infection are wel l established, and the environmental requirements for contracting the disease are better understood. Sporotrichosis cases were recorded from 42 suburbs in the greater Pretoria area as well as from 23 towns outs ide the Pretoria municipal boundary. It occurred in 154 patients with ages ranging from less than 1 year to 90 years old, with males predomi nating. Females in the area seemed to be at lesser risk, mainly becomi ng infected through gardening injuries, insect bites or other minor in juries due to outdoor activities. Exposure to possible sources of the fungus, either from recreational or occupational activities in males, was the main determining factor in acquiring the disease. The lymphocu taneous and localized forms of the disease were most often recorded. O ur study indicates that, while there is no pronounced seasonal variati on, the onset of the disease seemed to be mainly in the cooler and dry er months of the year.