Molecular typing of Sporothrix schenckii isolates from cats in Malaysia

Abstract

Epidemiological data on the aetiologic agents of feline sporotrichosis in Malaysia have not been reported, though human sporotrichosis in Malaysia is reported to be transmitted primarily via cat scratch. To the best of our knowledge, the present report is the first study of the molecular epidemiology of Sporothrix schenckii isolates from cats with sporotrichosis in Malaysia. In the present work, we characterised 18 clinical isolates from cats in Malaysia based on molecular properties, including sequence analyses of the calmodulin gene and the rDNA ITS region and selective PCR of mating type (MAT) loci. In this study, isolates from feline sporotrichosis were identified as a S. schenckii sensu stricto by sequence analyses of the calmodulin gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Notably, phylogenetic analysis of the ITS confirmed assignment to clinical clade D (and not C) of S. schenckii sensu stricto. Therefore, clinical clade D of S. schenckii sensu stricto appeared to be the prevailing source of feline sporotrichosis in Malaysia. The ratio of MAT1-1-1:MAT1-2-1 in these Malaysian isolates was found to be 1 : 0. This result suggested that a clonal strain of S. schenckii is the prevailing causative agent of feline sporotrichosis in Malaysia.

Comparison of two in vitro antifungal sensitivity tests and monitoring during therapy of Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto in Malaysian cats

“…It is also the first time that antifungal susceptibility Based on our results, similar to what has previously been described, we confirmed that the feline Sporothrix isolates are of the species S. schenckii sensu stricto of a single clonal strain. 7 The majority of the isolates were thermosensitive, with a minority (18%) having the potential ability for lymphatic spread.…”

“…Samples were inoculated on Sabouraud's dextrose agar containing 0.1 mg/mL of chloramphenicol (Oxoid; Hampshire, England) and stored at room temperature. Each isolate was then identified based on its morphological characteristics on culture, and on sequence analyses of its calmodulin gene and rDNA Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region …”

“…Sporothrix schenckii is considered to be a cryptic species, defined as two or more distinct species that are erroneously classified under one name; surveys of DNA variation have enabled these species to be differentiated . A study of infected cats in Malaysia suggested that a clonal strain of S. schenckii sensu stricto is the prevailing causative agent of feline sporotrichosis in Malaysia …”

“…6 A study of infected cats in Malaysia suggested that a clonal strain of S. schenckii sensu stricto is the prevailing causative agent of feline sporotrichosis in Malaysia. 7 The role of cats as carriers and zoonotic propagators of Sporothrix spp. is well documented; its manifestation as a clinical disease is dependent on the host immune competence and on the virulence of the particular strain of S. schenckii.…”

Geographic Expansion of Sporotrichosis, Brazil

“…Until a new TB vaccine is developed, M. bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) remains the only effective vaccine for TB (6,7). BCG's overall efficacy, including cost-effectiveness, has been questioned by studies that were confounded by the cross-reactivity of antigens and the absence of measures to exclude latent infection before vaccination.…”