Sporothrix schenckii infection (sporotrichosis) classically presents as a nodular lymphangitic pattern. The characteristic microscopic finding in tissue at 37°C (yeast phase) is:
- A Large spherule with endospores (sporangiospores)
- B Cigar-shaped or oval yeast cells (2–6 µm) with narrow-based budding ✓
- C Sclerotic cells (copper-pennies) with cross-wall septation
- D Large yeast with thick capsule and narrow-necked budding
Explanation
Sporothrix schenckii is a dimorphic fungus that converts to the yeast (parasitic) form at body temperature (37°C) in tissue. The yeast phase shows small (2–6 µm), oval to cigar-shaped yeast cells with narrow-based single or multiple budding ('asteroid body' — yeast surrounded by Splendore-Hoeppli material can be seen in tissue). Large spherules with endospores are the form of Coccidioides immitis in tissue; sclerotic cells (Medlar bodies/copper-pennies) are seen in chromoblastomycosis; thick-capsule yeast with narrow-necked budding is Cryptococcus neoformans.
Reference: Ananthanarayan & Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.