Comparison of virulence of different Sporothrix schenckii clinical isolates using experimental murine model

The virulence of two strains of Sporothrix schenckii isolated from patients with lymphocutaneous or disseminated sporotrichosis were examined in BALB/c mice (Group 1 and 2, respectively). The mice were inoculated subcutaneously into the left hind footpad with 4 x 10(6) S. schenckii yeast cells in order to evaluate (i) the development of cutaneous lesions, (ii) signs of inactivity, (iii) weight loss, (iv) survival rates, (v) number of viable yeast cells in the lungs and spleen, (vi) splenic index, (vii) extent of organ lesions, and (viii) immunological responses. Comparison of the two groups showed more severe disease in Group 2 mice that developed significant weight and hair loss associated with inactivity and left hind footpad lesions that extended close to the testicular area. The histopathology and large number of viable microorganisms isolated from the spleen confirmed the higher invasive ability of this strain. Moreover, a decrease of an in vitro specific lymphoproliferative response and IFN-gamma production were observed over time in Group 2 mice. As a result, at the end of the experiment, the S. schenckii-antigen (Ss-Ag) response was considered negative with a stimulation index (SI) = 2. In contrast, Group 1 mice presented a positive response to Ss-Ag (SI = 14.1). These results confirm the existence of different virulence profiles in S. schenckii strains. In addition, the use of subcutaneous inoculation as a suitable route for verification of the pathogenicity of this fungus in the murine model was confirmed.