Evaluation of an epidemic of sporotrichosis in cats: 347 cases (1998–2001)

Abstract

Feline sporotrichosis was evident in subclinical to severe forms; however, cats can respond well to regular and prolonged antifungal treatment.

The epidemiological scenario of feline sporotrichosis in Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

“…Despite the outbreak of sporotrichosis in Rio de Janeiro since the end of the 1990s, the median time from observation of cutaneous lesions by the owner to the initial assessment by the veterinarian remains delayed, as reported previously 2,6 . This delay may be one of the factors enhancing the infection of other animals and humans because early laboratory and clinical diagnosis of feline cases allows for the immediate establishment of treatment and preventive measures for this mycosis.…”

“…However, the profi le of the feline population and the clinical characteristics reported in other studies conducted in the same region have not changed over the years 2,6 . These fi ndings suggest that preventive measures, such as early spaying, should be used for young adult cats.…”

“…The disease occurs worldwide but is endemic in Latin America, especially in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where the fi rst epidemic of zoonotic sporotrichosis was described at the end of the 1990s 1 . The animal species most affected is the cat, which can exhibit a wide spectrum of clinical signs ranging from a single cutaneous lesion to a disseminated form 2,3 . Unlike the lesions observed in humans and dogs, cutaneous lesions in felines carry a high parasite burden, making the cat an important source of infection in the zoonotic transmission of this fungus 1,3,4 .…”

Esporotricose urbana: epidemia negligenciada no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

“…Na literatura, a ocorrência da doença é predominantemente associada à ocupação profissional, afetando pessoas que lidam com a terra, particularmente em área rurais 1,13 . Porém, neste início de século, a ocorrência tem sido relacionada também à arranhadura e/ou mordedura de gatos, levando a surtos familiares, além de casos em profissionais que lidam com esses animais, como veterinários e auxiliares 7,14,15 .…”

Characterization of virulence profile, protein secretion and immunogenicity of differentSporothrix schenckii sensu strictoisolates compared withS. globosaandS. brasiliensisspecies

“…14,15 In Brazil, the incidence of sporotrichosis is on rise over the last two decades and it has been attributed to zoonotic outbreaks in cats. [16][17][18][19] Patients may present several different clinical forms ranging from fixed cutaneous and lymphocutaneous to disseminated form. 20 Disseminated sporotrichosis is the most severe infection that has been reported with increasing frequency in recent years mainly in immunosuppressed patients.…”