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First three cases of cat-associated zoonotic cutaneous sporotrichosis in Colombia
Simon Gallo1, Camilo Arias-Rodriguez2, Erika A Sánchez-Cifuentes3
1Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
Background:
Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by dimorphic fungi of the genus Sporothrix. The route of entry of the causative agent is direct inoculation by skin trauma, generally with decaying wood and other vegetation. However, cat-transmitted sporotrichosis has become more relevant in recent decades especially in South America. Until now, there are no case reports of cat-transmitted sporotrichosis in Colombia.
Case Report:
We present three cases of cutaneous sporotrichosis after the scratches of an ill cat, in the feline's owners and its veterinarian, confirmed by culture and PCR, where S. schenckii sensu stricto was isolated and typified.
Conclusions:
Cat-transmitted sporotrichosis is becoming more relevant in recent decades due to its potential to generate epidemics and become a public health problem. In addition, since the associated species are more virulent, the disease has more aggressive behavior. In Colombia, this is the first case series of cat-transmitted cutaneous sporotrichosis.
Insights
Cat-transmitted sporotrichosis, a fungal infection, is increasingly recognized globally. This report details the first cases in Colombia, highlighting the need for awareness and public health strategies for this zoonotic disease.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by dimorphic fungi of the genus Sporothrix.
- Transmission typically occurs via skin trauma with contaminated material.
- Cat-transmitted sporotrichosis is an emerging concern, particularly in South America.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first cases of cat-transmitted cutaneous sporotrichosis in Colombia.
- To document the isolation and identification of Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto in these cases.
Main Methods:
- Three cases of cutaneous sporotrichosis following cat scratches were analyzed.
- Diagnosis was confirmed through fungal culture and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
- Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto was isolated and identified.
Main Results:
- Successful isolation and typification of Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto from affected individuals.
- Confirmation of transmission from an infected cat to its owners and veterinarian.
Conclusions:
- Cat-transmitted sporotrichosis represents a growing public health issue with epidemic potential.
- The associated fungal species exhibit increased virulence, leading to more aggressive disease manifestations.
- This case series marks the first documentation of cat-transmitted cutaneous sporotrichosis in Colombia, emphasizing its emergence in the region.
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