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Photo Quiz: Asteroid bodies in a skin biopsy of a farmer

Summary

A farmer developed a chain of red nodules on his arm after a wrist injury, which was diagnosed as sporotrichosis, a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix globosa. The diagnosis was confirmed through tissue biopsy, which showed distinctive asteroid bodies – yeast cells surrounded by radiating material that represents the body’s immune response. The infection was successfully treated with oral potassium iodide over 6 months, resulting in complete healing.

Background

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by dimorphic fungi of the genus Sporothrix. The disease can be transmitted through traumatic injuries during farming activities. Different Sporothrix species demonstrate varying virulence levels and geographic distributions.

Objective

To present a clinical case of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis in a farmer with histopathological findings including asteroid bodies and to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to this fungal infection.

Results

Fungal culture and DNA sequencing confirmed Sporothrix globosa infection. Histopathological examination revealed granulomatous and pyogenic reactions with asteroid bodies characterized by central yeast cells surrounded by radiating eosinophilic club-shaped projections representing a Splendore-Hoeppli reaction.

Conclusion

Lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis was successfully diagnosed and treated with a 6-month course of oral potassium iodide, resulting in complete resolution of lesions. Asteroid bodies are useful diagnostic clues when combined with clinical manifestations and fungal culture confirmation.
  • Published in:Journal of Clinical Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Case Report,
  • Source: PMID: 40631937, DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00478-25
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