**Question:** A plant prick can produce sporotrichosis. All are true statements about sporotrichosis except -

A. Sporotrichosis is an infectious disease caused by fungi.
B. The disease occurs only in tropical regions.
C. Symptoms of sporotrichosis include fever and high white blood cell count.
D. Diagnosis is confirmed by skin biopsy.

**Core Concept:** Sporotrichosis is a mycotic infection caused by the fungus Sporothrix species, typically transmitted through a plant prick or ingestion of contaminated food. It is characterized by lymphocutaneous, osteomyelitic, and pulmonary forms. Sporotrichosis primarily affects immunocompromised individuals.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** D. Diagnosis is confirmed by skin biopsy because sporotrichosis can mimic other skin diseases, making biopsy necessary for definitive diagnosis. In contrast, other options are incorrect for the following reasons:

A. Sporotrichosis can occur in immunocompetent individuals and affects various body systems (e.g., lymphocutaneous, osteomyelitic, pulmonary). It is not limited to immunocompromised individuals.

B. Sporotrichosis is not limited to tropical regions; it can occur in temperate climates as well. Its geographical distribution is wide, with cases reported from Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America.

C. Sporotrichosis typically presents with lymphadenopathy, subcutaneous nodules, and ulcers, not fever and high white blood cell count, which are more characteristic of bacterial infections.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. Sporotrichosis affects individuals with varying immune status and can present in different forms (lymphocutaneous, osteomyelitic, pulmonary).

B. Sporotrichosis can occur in both tropical and temperate regions, not limited to tropical climates only.

C. Sporotrichosis-induced symptoms include lymphadenopathy, subcutaneous nodules, and ulcers, rather than fever and high white blood cell count, which are more consistent with bacterial infections.

**Clinical Pearl:** A skin biopsy is essential for diagnosing sporotrichosis, as clinical presentation can be nonspecific and may mimic other skin diseases or infections. Understanding the disease's geographical distribution, clinical manifestations, and appropriate diagnostic approach is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of sporotrichosis cases.