Mycobacterium elephantis was first described when isolated from an elephant that succumbed to lung abscess. However, despite this namesake, it is not associated with animals and has been described most often as a probable colonizer rather than pathogen in humans with chronic lung disease. In this report, we describe the first case of lymphocutaneous infection from M. elephantis, likely as a result of cutaneous inoculation with contaminated soil. This offers further evidence to its capabilities as a pathogen. We provide a review of the limited prior reports of M. elephantis and outline the available in vitro data on efficacy of various antimycobacterial agents.

Lymphocutaneous fistulas are an uncommon occurrence that can present after surgical intervention in lymphatic-rich areas. A spontaneous lymphatic leak can occur in conjunction with lymphedema or in the vicinity of venous stasis ulcers. However, spontaneous lymphocutaneous fistulas are extremely rare. Traditional treatments have included surgical ligation, negative pressure therapy, and embolization. We present the case of a lymphocutaneous fistula secondary to chronic venous stasis, which was treated via injection of autologous blood and subsequent thrombosis. In the present case report, we have demonstrated successful embolization of a lymphatic vessel via autologous blood injection, a nontraditional technique that, nonetheless, yielded positive and lasting results.

Sporotrichosis is a cutaneous mycosis caused by a dimorphic fungus, Sporothrix schenckii species complex clinically presenting as lymphocutaneous, fixed, or disseminated forms. A typical lesion is an erythematous papule, noduloulcerative lesion usually occurring at the site of penetrating trauma, mostly on the extremities. Verrucous lesion is an unusual presentation of sporotrichosis which can mimic the verrucous lesions seen in chromoblastomycosis, tuberculosis verruca cutis/lupus vulgaris (TBVC/LV), cutaneous leishmaniasis, and blastomycosis leading to diagnostic dilemma. Herein, we describe a case of facial verrucous sporotrichosis in a child from sub-Himalayan region.

Prompt and accurate diagnosis of Nocardia skin infections is important in immunocompromised hosts, especially transplant patients. The sporotrichoid form, which is otherwise known as the lymphocutaneous form of Nocardia skin involvement, can mimic other conditions, including those caused by fungi, mycobacteria, spirochetes, parasites and other bacteria. Delayed or inaccurate diagnosis and treatment of Nocardia skin infections in transplant patients could lead to dissemination of disease and other poor outcomes. Nocardia brasiliensis is a rare cause of lymphocutaneous nocardiosis in solid organ transplant patients with only two other cases reported to our knowledge. This case describes a middle-aged man, who presented 16 years post kidney transplant. He developed a sporotrichoid lesion on his upper extremity one week after gardening. Ultrasound showed a 35-cm abscess tract on his forearm, which was subsequently drained. Nocardia brasiliensis was isolated from pus culture and he was treated successfully with amoxicillin/clavulanate for 6 months. A review of the relevant literature is included.

Sporothrix schenckii, the causative agent of sporotrichosis, is a relatively rare infection. Local infection usually occurs through direct inoculation of the organism through the skin; disseminated disease is rarely seen. This article describes a case of disseminated sporotrichosis in a middle-aged man without the commonly seen risk factors for dissemination.