Sporothrix schenckii and sporotrichosis

Abstract

For a long time sporotrichosis has been regarded to have a low incidence in Brazil; however, recent studies demonstrate that not only the number of reported cases but also the incidence of more severe or atypical clinical forms of the disease are increasing. Recent data indicate that these more severe forms occur in about 10% of patients with confi rmed diagnosis. The less frequent forms, mainly osteoarticular sporotrichosis, might be associated both with patient immunodepression and zoonotic transmission of the disease. The extracutaneous form and the atypical forms are a challenge to a newly developed serological test, introduced as an auxiliary tool for the diagnosis of unusual clinical forms of sporotrichosis.

2D-immunoblotting analysis of Sporothrix schenckii cell wall

“…The dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii is the etiological agent of sporotrichosis, an endemic subcutaneous mycosis in Latin America, whose prevalence has significantly increased during the last few years mainly in immunocompromised patients (Callens et al 2006, Lopes-Bezerra et al 2006). The S. schenckii cell wall is composed of alkali-soluble and insoluble glucans, which are found in both morphological phases of the fungus (Previato et al 1979, Lopes-Bezerra et al 2006.…”

“…Despite significant progress in the knowledge of structural polysaccharides, little is known regarding the identity and characteristics of cell wall proteins. Thus far, a peptide-rhamnomannan and peptide-rhamnogalactan have been isolated and characterized from wall preparations of yeast-like cells (Lloyd & Bitoon 1971, Nakamura 1976, Lopes-Bezerra et al 2006). In addition, there are some reports dealing with the role of a cell wall glycoprotein of 70 kDa in adhesion of S. schenckii to host tissues and extracellular matrix components as well as fungal pathogenesis (Nascimento et al 2008, Ruiz-Baca et al 2009, Teixeira et al 2009).…”

“…The S. schenckii cell wall is composed of alkali-soluble and insoluble glucans, which are found in both morphological phases of the fungus (Previato et al 1979, Lopes-Bezerra et al 2006. Despite significant progress in the knowledge of structural polysaccharides, little is known regarding the identity and characteristics of cell wall proteins.…”

Cell surface expression of adhesins for fibronectin correlates with virulence in Sporothrix schenckii

“…Sporothrix schenckii is the aetiological agent of sporotrichosis, an endemic deep mycosis in Latin America with several clinical presentations (Lopes-Bezerra et al, 2006). The most frequent clinical form is characterized by cutaneous and subcutaneous nodular lesions with lymphangitic involvement.…”

“…The most frequent clinical form is characterized by cutaneous and subcutaneous nodular lesions with lymphangitic involvement. The disseminated forms are less frequent and have been described mainly among immunocompromised patients (Lopes-Bezerra et al, 2006).…”