Wright's stain, 1000x

Sporotrichosis is caused by Sporothrix schenckii a dimorphic fungus that is found in yeast form at body temperature. It is found worldwide and usually enters the body through cutaneous lesions. Contact with infected animals or people can be a source of infection. Three forms of the infection are found including cutaneous, lympho-cutaneous, and the disseminated form which is extremely rare.  The cutaneous form is characterized by sub-cutaneous nodules. The macrophage in this microphotograph contains many yeast cells, which are pleomorphic and vary from a round or oval to cigar-like in shape. The fungus can be found both extracellularly and intracellularly (in macrophages and neutrophils).  Diagnosis can be made from cytology, culture, or immonufluorescent assays.