Zoonotic Epidemic of Sporotrichosis: Cat to Human Transmission

Summary

Most of the 51 species embedded in the genus Sporothrix are nonpathogenic environmental fungi that are closely related to decaying wood, plants, and soil. However, members of the Sporothrix schenckii complex are highly successful mammal pathogens, including S. brasiliensis, S. schenckii sensu stricto (s. str.), S. globosa, and S. luriei, the causative agents of human and animal sporotrichosis [https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1006077#ppat.1006077.ref001]. Their key to success during mammal infection lies at least in part with their ability to change from a mycelial saprophytic lifestyle at 25°C in the environment to a parasitic yeast cell at an elevated temperature (35°C–37°C), such as those developed by warm-blooded hosts [https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1006077#ppat.1006077.ref002]. Typically, infection develops after traumatic inoculation of contaminated soil, plants, and organic matter into skin or mucosa. Alternatively, infection may occur during the animal transmission (cat–cat or cat–dog) and zoonotic transmission (cat–human), which has been mostly associated with scratches or bites from infected cats [https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1006077#ppat.1006077.ref002]. In Brazil, S. brasiliensis is repeatedly associated with feline infection and has consistently shown higher virulence during epizootics, as well as in murine models of sporotrichosis. A hallmark of S. brasiliensis infection is its tendency to escalate to outbreaks or epidemics among cats with high potential for zoonotic transmission. Sporotrichosis is an emergent disease and, over the past two decades, the incidence of zoonotic sporotrichosis has been on the rise, particularly in Brazil. Judging from the epizootic and zoonotic epidemics taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, tackling sporotrichosis requires the engagement of animal and human health policies to reduce the transmission chain of Sporothrix.

Key Points

• 1Sporotrichosis is an emergent disease with rising incidence, particularly in Brazil
• 2Cats play a crucial role in the zoonotic transmission of Sporothrix to humans
• 3Treatment typically involves long-term administration of antifungal medications
• 4Drug resistance to common treatments is a growing concern for sporotrichosis management
• 5Vaccine research is ongoing to prevent infections in felines and reduce transmission risk.

Related articles

• How to Assess the Quality of Qualitative Research

  This article serves as a guide for health care practitioners, educators, and researchers on how to evaluate the quality of qualitative research. It discusses essential characteristics that make a qualitative study high-quality and trustworthy, as well as standards specific to this type of research.

• CHOLEGRAPHY Easy Visual Reviewer - Terms & Definitions Matrix Based on Module

  This document serves as an educational resource on cholegraphy, outlining procedures, indications, contraindications, and care related to the imaging of the biliary system. It is designed as a visual reviewer for learners in health sciences.

• Routine CT Procedures and Related Anatomy Visual Study Reviewer Matrix

  This document serves as a comprehensive reviewer for technologists involved in routine CT examinations, detailing essential procedures, patient preparations, and anatomical landmarks essential for accurate imaging.

• Investigating Genetic Counselors' Inclusion of Sponsored Genetic Testing Programs

  This study aims to investigate genetic counselors' awareness and attitudes toward sponsored genetic testing programs, as well as the factors influencing their decisions to offer these tests to patients. The importance of understanding these dynamics arises amid the growing availability of biopharmaceutical-sponsored genetic tests and the impact of financial considerations on patient access to care.

• Nature-Based Mindfulness: A Qualitative Study of the Experience of Support for Self-Regulation

  This qualitative study investigates how a five-day residential mindfulness program in a natural setting supports self-regulation among university students experiencing stress. Through interviews, the study explores participants' lived experiences and the perceived benefits of the mindfulness retreat.