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Sporothrix is neglected among the neglected

Summary

Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix species that usually affects the skin but can spread to joints, lungs, and eyes. While traditionally spread through plant material during gardening, the disease has increasingly spread between cats and humans through bites and scratches, particularly in South America and other regions. The fungus is developing resistance to common antifungal drugs, and scientists worry climate change could expand where this disease occurs worldwide.

Background

Sporotrichosis is a mycotic disease caused by Sporothrix species that has increased in prevalence over the past 50 years. The disease is typically transmitted transcutaneously through contaminated materials during farming or gardening, though zoonotic transmission through animal bites and scratches has become increasingly recognized. Despite affecting millions globally, sporotrichosis remains neglected in public health attention.

Objective

This review examines the current state of knowledge regarding Sporothrix and sporotrichosis, identifying key gaps in understanding the ecology, pathogenesis, and epidemiology of this emerging fungal pathogen. The authors highlight urgent research questions needed to understand disease burden, virulence factors, antifungal resistance, and the impact of global warming on pathogen distribution.

Results

At least seven pathogenic Sporothrix species exist, with S. schenckii, S. globosa, and S. brasiliensis being most common etiologic agents. S. brasiliensis shows highest virulence in mouse models and has spread globally through cat-human transmission. Antifungal resistance to itraconazole and amphotericin B has been documented across multiple species, though molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

Conclusion

Sporothrix warrants serious public health attention due to increasing caseloads, emerging antifungal resistance, and geographic range expansion, particularly in the context of climate change and zoonotic transmission. Urgent research is needed using genomics, population genetics, and systematic environmental sampling to understand virulence factors, host-pathogen coevolution, and adaptation mechanisms.
  • Published in:PLoS Pathogenics,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012898
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