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First occurrence of feline sporotrichosis in a metropolitan area of Central-West Brazil

Summary

Researchers in Brazil discovered the first case of a serious fungal infection called sporotrichosis in a domestic cat in the Goiania metropolitan area. The infection was caused by a fungus called Sporothrix brasiliensis, which can spread from cats to humans through scratches and bites. This finding is important because it shows the disease is spreading to new regions of Brazil that previously didn’t have confirmed cases, and suggests residents need to be cautious around stray cats.

Background

Sporotrichosis is a neglected mycosis affecting humans and animals, caused primarily by Sporothrix brasiliensis in Brazil. This fungus is transmitted from infected cats to humans through direct contact, scratches, or bites. The metropolitan area of Goiania city was previously considered a silent area for feline sporotrichosis occurrence.

Objective

This study aimed to report the first occurrence of Sporothrix brasiliensis in a cat from the metropolitan area of Goiania city, Central-West Brazil, and to confirm the presence of this zoonotic pathogen in a previously unaffected region.

Results

Cytological examination revealed cigar-shaped basophilic yeast elements characteristic of sporotrichosis. Mycological culture demonstrated morphological features consistent with Sporothrix, and molecular analysis confirmed 99.5% similarity to S. brasiliensis reference strains. This represents the first confirmed diagnosis of S. brasiliensis in the Goiania metropolitan area.

Conclusion

Sporothrix brasiliensis is now circulating in the metropolitan area of Goiania city, posing a risk for emergence of new feline cases and zoonotic transmission. Integrated disease control programs involving public authorities, veterinary services, and public health agencies are needed to prevent outbreak spread in Goias State.
  • Published in:Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo,
  • Study Type:Case Report,
  • Source: 10.1590/S1678-9946202466019
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