Clinical Epidemiology of Sporotrichosis in Jilin Province, China (1990–2019): A Series of 4969 Cases

Abstract

This study was aimed to examine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of sporotrichosis in China and specifically Jilin Province, which is one of the areas with the highest incidence worldwide, and to provide data support for the global prevalence of sporotrichosis. Methods: A total of 4969 cases of sporotrichosis diagnosed at the Second Hospital of Jilin University from January 1, 1990 to December 31, 2019 were collected. Results: In Jilin Province, the male-to-female ratio was 1:2, the average age at onset was 48 ± 1 years, and the average disease duration was 4.8 ± 2.7 months. The most susceptible individuals were farmers. Cases occurred more commonly in the winter and spring (71.5%) than in the summer and autumn (28.5%). The fixed type infection was more prevalent. Among the cases, 64.8% showed typical mycological changes, and 77.6% showed atypical pathological changes. Regarding the epidemiological characteristics of sporotrichosis in China, 6565 cases were retrieved from the literature from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2019. Among them, the most affected area was Jilin Province, followed by Heilongjiang Province, and Liaoning Province. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.46. The fixed type infection was the most common. A total of 241 strains were identified by molecular biotechnology; among these, 217 were identified as Sporothrix globosa and 24 were identified as S. schenckii sensu stricto. Discussion: The results add clarity to the clinical epidemiology of sporotrichosis in China and specifically Jilin Province. We believe these data will help improve the epidemiology knowledge of sporotrichosis worldwide.

Current Progress on Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Sporotrichosis and Their Future Trends

“…The incidence of human sporotrichosis in China is among the highest globally [ 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 ]. Cases are concentrated in the northeast region of China, in an area with a temperate continental monsoon climate, including Jilin, Liaoning, and Heilongjiang provinces [ 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 ].…”

“…The incidence of human sporotrichosis in China is among the highest globally [ 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 ]. Cases are concentrated in the northeast region of China, in an area with a temperate continental monsoon climate, including Jilin, Liaoning, and Heilongjiang provinces [ 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 ]. Interestingly, there is a higher incidence of cases during the winter, possibly associated with contamination of the home environment with wood, twigs, and sticks used as an important energy matrix for cooking and heating [ 65 , 68 ].…”

Oral treatment with 10% potassium iodide solution for refractory cutaneous-disseminated sporotrichosis in an immunocompetent adult: Case report

“…In China, the incidence of CDS is even lower. The cutaneous-disseminated form represented only 0.34% (14/4,969) of all sporotrichosis cases in a large-scale clinical epidemiological investigation of sporotrichosis reported from China (Lv et al, 2022 ).…”

Hyperthermia is a promising potential adjunct to treating sporotrichosis: A refractory case of HIV sporotrichosis and in vitro experiments on Sporothrix spp.

“…[1][2][3] Lymphocutaneous and fixed cutaneous forms comprise the most common, classical clinical presentations. 4 S. globosa primarily causes fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis, whereas S. sckenckii and S. brasiliensis are mainly related to the lymphocutaneous form. 4,5 S. brasiliensis is the most pathogenic, with expression of important virulence attributes such as thermotolerance, adhesins and melanin.…”

“…4 S. globosa primarily causes fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis, whereas S. sckenckii and S. brasiliensis are mainly related to the lymphocutaneous form. 4,5 S. brasiliensis is the most pathogenic, with expression of important virulence attributes such as thermotolerance, adhesins and melanin. 3,6 Therefore, the prevalence of disseminated cutaneous and extracutaneous, caused by S. brasiliensis, is considered severe forms.…”