Feline sporotrichosis due to Sporothrix globosa in the Metropolitan region of Buenos Aires: A case study

Abstract We describe here the first case of feline sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix globosa, occurring outside the epizootic area of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Unlike cases reported with Sporothrix brasiliensis, on this occasion there was no clinical or serological evidence of zoonotic transmission through scratches or bites from the sick cat to the attending veterinarian or the person responsible for its care. This report aimed to improve the knowledge about the pathogenic profile of S. globosa.

Resumen En este trabajo se describe el primer caso de esporotricosis felina causada por Sporothrix globosa fuera del área epizoótica de Buenos Aires. A diferencia de los casos documentados de Sporothrix brasiliensis, en este no hubo evidencia clínica ni serológica de transmisión zoonótica por arañazos o mordeduras del gato enfermo a su dueño ni al veterinario que lo atendió. Con este reporte se espera contribuir a un mejor conocimiento sobre el perfil patogénico de S. globosa.

The present and future research agenda of sporotrichosis on the silver anniversary of zoonotic sporotrichosis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Twenty-five years have passed since the initial observation of endemic zoonotic sporotrichosis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Since then, this disease has spread throughout South America. Accompanying the emergence of this mycosis, some progress has been made, including the expansion of a research network in this field and higher visibility of sporotrichosis within government authorities and funding agencies. However, there are still some challenges to curbing the expansion of this disease in the coming years. These include the development of rapid and accurate diagnostic tests, new antifungal drugs, particularly for the treatment of extracutaneous manifestations of sporotrichosis, and more comprehensive care for cats with sporotrichosis. Including these actions in the sporotrichosis research agenda is required so as to change the development of this disease in the years to come.

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

ABSTRACT Sporotrichosis is a neglected mycosis that affects human and animal hosts, including domestic cats. In Brazil, its most frequently diagnosed etiological agent is Sporothrix brasiliensis. Zoonotic transmission of S. brasiliensis occurs via direct contact between an infected cat and a susceptible human host. Notification of confirmed cases of feline sporotrichosis is not mandatory in Brazil. The metropolitan area of Goiania city can be considered a silent area for the occurrence of feline sporotrichosis. In this context, voluntary reporting of feline sporotrichosis cases is recommended for all healthcare professionals. This study aimed to report the first occurrence of S. brasiliensis in a cat from the metropolitan area of Goiania city. Cytopathology, mycology, thermal dimorphism and calmodulin gene amplification tests were performed. The mycological and molecular biological diagnoses corresponded to S. brasiliensis. The etiological agent of zoonotic sporotrichosis was detected in the metropolitan area of Goiania city, and therefore there is a risk of the emergence of new cases of cats infected with S. brasiliensis and the occurrence of zoonotic transmission of this fungus.

Estudo da ativação e modulação da resposta imune contra a esporotricose experimental, a partir de vesículas extracelulares purificadas de células dendríticas / Study of the activation and modulation of the immune response against experimental sporotrichosis, using extracellular vesicles purified from dendritic cells

A esporotricose é uma zoonose micótica emergente e subcutânea, que afeta a pele, o sistema linfático e outros órgãos de humanos e animais. Assim como outras doenças infecciosas fúngicas, se torna ainda mais grave quando acomete pacientes imunossuprimidos. Essa infecção possui distribuição global e é endêmica em algumas regiões do Brasil e de outros países tropicais e subtropicais, sendo um problema de saúde pública importante em nosso país. A doença é causada por um complexo de pelo menos quatro espécies patogênicas, incluindo o Sporothrix brasiliensis (S. brasiliensis). A resposta imunológica contra estas espécies ainda não é completamente elucidada, mas estruturas como as vesículas extracelulares (VEs) poderiam transportar componentes importantes que podem contribuir na modulação e no controle desta importante infecção. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho, é analisar a participação das VEs de células dendríticas (DCs) naive e VEs de DCs previamente primadas com leveduras de S. brasiliensis e primadas com VEs do fungo, na resposta imune contra a esporotricose experimental em modelos murinos. Para isso, as DCs obtidas da medula óssea de camundongos, foram cultivadas com leveduras de S. brasiliensis ou com VEs do fungo e posteriormente, VEs totais das DCs foram purificadas a partir de ultracentrifugação e analisadas quanto a sua participação na modulação da resposta imunológica. Essas VEs foram utilizadas em protocolo profilático em modelos murinos, previamente a infecção subcutânea experimental. Foi observado o diâmetro médio das lesões no decorrer de 35 dias de infecção e a carga fúngica da lesão na pele. Os resultados obtidos mostram que as VEs de DCs naive, e VEs de DCs previamente cultivadas com leveduras do fungo ou com VEs fúngicas, são capazes de modular a carga fúngica. Os grupos que receberam VEs de DCs de forma profilática, de modo geral apresentaram diminuição significativa da carga fúngica em relação ao grupo controle. Na análise comparativa apenas dos grupos que receberam a profilaxia, observa-se que o uso de VEs de DCs naive, resultam em uma carga fúngica maior que o uso de VEs de DCs previamente ativadas, e quando as DCs são ativadas com levedura, essa carga fúngica é a menor. Quando analisamos o perfil de citocinas na pele de camundongos tratados com as VEs previamente a infecção, observamos aumento de IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17 e IL-10 principalmente nos animais previamente tratados com VEs de DCs que foram ativadas com leveduras. Em relação às citocinas produzidas, podemos sugerir até o momento, uma resposta imunológica mista, mas que de alguma maneira, ainda não esclarecida, devem contribuir para melhor controle do processo infeccioso in vivo. Em relação a linfoproliferação, observa-se principalmente um aumento de linfócitos T CD4+ quando acrescentamos VEs de DCs que não foram previamente ativadas, mostrando uma ação de uma resposta mais inespecífica. Vale ressaltar que todos os protocolos profiláticos foram capazes de modular e minimizar o crescimento fúngico, quando comparados ao controle, ou seja, as VEs contribuíram com o controle da infecção e agiram a favor do hospedeiro, demonstrando um caráter protetivo

Sporotrichosis is an emerging subcutaneous mycotic zoonosis that affects the skin, lymphatic system, and other organs of humans and animals, and like other infectious fungal diseases, it becomes even more serious when it affects immunosuppressed patients. This infection has a global distribution and is endemic in some regions of Brazil and other tropicals and subtropicals countries, being an important public health problem in our country. The disease is caused by a complex of at least four pathogenic species, including Sporothrix brasiliensis (S. brasiliensis). The immunological response against these species has not yet been completely elucidated, but structures such as extracellular vesicles (EVs) could carry important components that can contribute to the modulation and control of this important infection. Thus, the objective of this work is to analyze the participation of EVs from naïve dendritic cells (DCs) and EVs from DCs previously primed with S. brasiliensis yeast and primed with EVs from the fungus, in the immune response against experimental sporotrichosis in murine models. For this, DCs obtained from the bone marrow of mice were cultivated with S. brasiliensis yeast or EVs from the fungus, and subsequently, total EVs from the DCs were purified through ultracentrifugation and analyzed for their participation in modulating the immune response. These EVs were used in a prophylactic protocol in murine models, before experimental subcutaneous infection. The average diameter of the lesions over 35 days of infection and the fungal load of the lesion on the skin were observed. The results obtained show that EVs from naïve DCs, and EVs from DCs previously cultured with yeast or fungal EVs, are capable of modulating the fungal load. The groups that received EVs from DCs prophylactically generally showed a significant decrease in fungal load compared to the control group. In the comparative analysis of only the groups that received prophylaxis, it was observed that the use of EVs from naïve DCs results in a higher fungal load than the use of EVs from previously activated DCs, and when the DCs are activated with yeast, this load fungal is smaller. When we analyzed the cytokine profile in the skin of mice treated with EVs before infection, we observed an increase in IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-10, mainly in animals previously treated with EVs from DCs that were activated with yeast. About the cytokines produced, we can so far suggest a mixed immunological response, but in some way, not yet clear, they should contribute to better control of the infectious process in vivo. About lymphoproliferation, an increase in CD4+ T lymphocytes is mainly observed when we add EVs from DCs that were not previously activated, showing a more nonspecific response. It is worth highlighting that all prophylactic protocols were able to modulate and minimize fungal growth, when compared to the control, that is, EVs contributed to the control of the infection and acted in favor of the host, demonstrating a protective character

Primer aislamiento de Sporothrix brasiliensis en un caso humano de esporotricosis en Chile. Un hongo emergente y preocupante / First isolation of Sporothrix brasiliensis in a human case of sporotrichosis in Chile. An emerging and worrisome fungus

Se describe el aislamiento de Sporothrix brasiliensis desde una biopsia de piel de un caso humano de esporotricosis linfocutánea, en la región de Valparaíso, Chile. Esta especie es la más virulenta del género y es de transmisión zoonótica, desde los gatos a los humanos. Hasta ahora, solo se había publicado un brote por esta especie en gatos domésticos y asilvestrados en el extremo sur de Chile, por lo que este aislamiento, en una mujer residente de un sector densamente poblado de la Región de Valparaíso, constituye una preocupación por su eventual diseminación hacia otros gatos y la población general.

The isolation of Sporothrix brasiliensis from a skin biopsy of a human case of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis in the region of Valparaíso, Chile is described. This species is the most virulent of the genus and is zoonotic in transmission from cats to humans. Until now, only one outbreak of this species has been published in domestic and feral cats in the extreme south of Chile, so this isolation in a woman residing in a densely populated sector of the fifth region is a concern for its eventual spread to other cats and the general population.

Esporotricosis en Argentina: análisis clínico y epidemiológico / Sporotrichosis in Argentina: clinical and epidemiological analysis

Introducción. La esporotricosis es una micosis de implantación causada por Sporothrix spp. Este se encuentra distribuido mundialmente y se puede encontrar en la vegetación y en el suelo. La ruta más frecuente de adquisición de la infección es por traumatismos con elementos contaminados con propágulos del hongo. Los gatos domésticos son los animales más afectados y pueden transmitirla a los humanos, por lo que es considerada una zoonosis. Las formas clínicas incluyen: la linfangítica nodular, la cutánea fija, la pulmonar (poco habitual) y la diseminada (excepcional). Objetivo. Analizar la epidemiología de la esporotricosis en Argentina entre los años 2010 y 2022. Describir la presentación clínica, los métodos de diagnóstico y el tratamiento de los casos diagnosticados en este período. Conocer los genotipos circulantes y observar su relación con el lugar geográfico de adquisición de la infección. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio analítico, retrospectivo y observacional, en el que se analizaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes con esporotricosis de 12 instituciones de salud de Argentina, entre los años 2010 y 2022. Resultados. Se presentan 54 casos en los que la forma clínica más frecuente fue la linfangítica nodular y el tratamiento de elección fue el itraconazol. En todos los casos se realizó diagnóstico convencional. El cultivo de las muestras clínicas resultó más sensible que el examen directo, ya que permitió el desarrollo de Sporothrix spp. en los 54 casos. En 22 casos se hizo identificación molecular y Sporothrix schenkii sensu stricto fue la especie más frecuentemente aislada. Conclusiones. Este estudio permitió conocer la epidemiología de esta micosis en Argentina, así como la disponibilidad de métodos diagnósticos y el tratamiento de elección.

Introduction. Sporotrichosis is an implantation mycosis caused by Sporothrix spp. It is distributed worldwide and can be found in vegetation and soil. The most frequent route of infection is by trauma with elements contaminated with fungal propagules. Since domestic cats are the most affected animals and can transmit this infection to humans, sporotrichosis is considered a zoonosis. Clinical presentations include nodular lymphangitis, fixed cutaneous, pulmonary (rare), and disseminated (exceptional). Objective. To analyze the epidemiology of sporotrichosis in Argentina during 2010 and 2022. To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment of cases diagnosed during this period. To know the circulating genotypes and to observe possible associations with the geographic location where the infection was acquired. Materials and methods. Analytical, retrospective, and observational study. We analyzed the medical records of patients with sporotrichosis from 12 health institutions in Argentina, between 2010 and 2022. Results. We present 54 cases in which the most frequent clinical form was nodular lymphangitis, and the treatment of choice was itraconazole. Conventional diagnosis was made in all cases. Culture of clinical samples was more sensitive than direct examination because it allowed the isolation of Sporothrix spp. in all 54 cases. Molecular identification was performed in 22 cases, with Sporothrix schenkii sensu stricto being the most frequently isolated species. Conclusions. This study allowed to know the epidemiology of this mycosis in Argentina, as well as the availability of diagnostic methods and the treatment of choice.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Colombian clinical isolates of Sporothrix spp / Caracterización fenotípica y genotípica de aislamientos clínicos colombianos de Sporothrix spp

Introduction. For over a century, Sporothrix schenckii was considered the sole species responsible for sporotrichosis. In 2007, scientific community confirmed the disease could be caused by various Sporothrix species. These species differed in their virulence factors and their antifungal sensitivity. Objective. This study aims to characterize 42 Colombian clinical isolates of Sporothrix spp. phenotypically and genotypically. Materials and methods. Forty-two clinical isolates were characterized using phenotypic methods. It involved various culture media to determine their growth range at different temperatures and to assess the type and distribution of pigment and colony texture. Microscopic morphology was evaluated through microcultures, as well as the conidia diameter, type of sporulation, and morphology. Additionally, the assimilation of carbohydrates was selected as a physiological trait for species identification. Genotyping of 40 isolates was performed through partial amplification of the calmodulin gene, followed by sequence analysis. Results. Molecular studies enabled the identification of 32 isolates of S. schenckii and 8 isolates of S. globosa. The combination of phenotypic and genotypic methods eased these species characterizations and the recognition keys development based on parameters such as growth diameter at 25 and 30 °C, colony texture (membranous or velvety) on potato dextrose agar, and microscopic morphology with predominance of pigmented triangular, elongated oval globose, or subglobose conidia. Conclusions. Confirmation of the phenotypic characteristics and molecular analysis is crucial for identifying Sporothrix species and determining adequate treatment. This study represents the first phenotypical and genotypical characterization of clinical isolates of Sporothrix spp. reported in Colombia.

Introducción. Por más de un siglo se creyó que Sporothrix schenckii era la única especie responsable de la esporotricosis. Sin embargo, en el 2007, se consideró que podría ser causada por diferentes especies de Sporothrix, que difieren en sus factores de virulencia y su sensibilidad a los antifúngicos. Objetivo. Caracterizar fenotípica y genotípicamente 42 aislamientos clínicos colombianos de Sporothrix spp. Materiales y métodos. Se caracterizaron 42 aislamientos clínicos mediante métodos fenotípicos. Se usaron varios medios de cultivo para determinar el rango de crecimiento a diferentes temperaturas, el tipo y la distribución del pigmento, y la textura de las colonias. Se evaluó la morfología microscópica por microcultivos mediante la determinación del diámetro, el tipo de esporulación y la morfología de las conidias. La asimilación de carbohidratos se usó como una característica fisiológica para identificar las especies. La genotipificación de los 40 aislamientos se llevó a cabo mediante la amplificación parcial del gen que codifica para la calmodulina y se confirmó por secuenciación. Resultados. Mediante estudios moleculares, se identificaron 32 aislamientos de S. schenckii y ocho de S. globosa. La combinación de métodos fenotípicos y genotípicos permitió caracterizar las especies y construir claves para su reconocimiento, con base en parámetros como el diámetro de crecimiento a 25 y 30 °C, la textura de las colonias (membranosa, aterciopelada) en agar papa dextrosa y la morfología microscópica con predominio de conidias (triangulares pigmentadas, ovales globosas elongadas, subglobosas). Conclusiones. La caracterización fenotípica y los análisis moleculares son necesarios para identificar las especies de Sporothrix y, de esta forma, elegir el tratamiento indicado. Esta es la primera caracterización fenotípica y genotípica reportada de aislamientos clínicos colombianos de Sporothrix spp.

Severe form of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis: a case report

ABSTRACT Sporotrichosis is the most frequent subcutaneous mycosis in Latin America. It is caused by species of the genus Sporothrix. Infection in humans occurs through the entry of the fungus into the skin. Zoonotic outbreaks involving cats in the transmission of the disease have been frequently reported. The lymphocutaneous form is the most commonly observed and the upper limbs are the most affected sites. We report a case of a 64-year-old healthy female patient with a lymphocutaneous form with rapid progression of lesions, which was refractory to initial treatment with itraconazole. Treatment with liposomal amphotericin B was performed with a satisfactory resolution, but aesthetic and functional sequelae in the left upper limb were installed.

The importance of considering the possibility of ocular sporotrichosis in areas with high incidence rates of sporotrichosis / Esporotricose ocular: a importância de ser considerada em áreas com grande incidência de esporotricose

ABSTRACT Ocular sporotrichosis involving adnexa can present in 4 types: granulomatous conjunctivitis, dacryocystitis, Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome, and bulbar conjunctivitis. The incidence of ocular sporotrichosis has increased in regions with high incidence rates of sporotrichosis. We present a series of three cases of ocular involvement by the fungus Sporothrix species, including its manifestations, approaches, and relevance in areas where sporotrichosis has considerable incidence rates.

RESUMO A esporotricose ocular envolvendo anexos pode se apresentar de quatro formas: conjuntivite granulomatosa, dacriocistite, Síndrome Oculoglandular de Parinaud e conjuntivite bulbar. A esporotricose ocular, apesar de incomum, tem aumentado em regiões com alta incidência de esporotricose. Apresentamos uma série de três casos de envolvimento ocular pelo fungo Sporothrix sp.: suas manifestações, abordagem e sua relevância em áreas com alta incidência de esporotricose.

Sporotrichosis: In silico design of new molecular markers for the Sporothrix genus

ABSTRACT Background: Sporotrichosis, a cosmopolitan mycosis caused by dimorphic fungi of the Sporothrix complex, affects humans and animals. This study aimed to develop new molecular markers for Sporothrix genome detection in biological samples using PCR. Methods: A specific region of DNA sequences from the Sporothrix genus, publicly available in GenBank, was chosen for primer design. After testing the in silico specificity of these primers, in vitro specificity was evaluated using the PCR technique. Results: Three specific primers with 100% specificity for the Sporothrix genus were generated. Conclusions: PCR using the designed primers can be used to develop molecular diagnostics for sporotrichosis.

Prevalencia de la infección por Sporothrix schenckii en agricultores del Cantón Shushufindi de la Provincia de Sucumbíos / Prevalence of Sporothrix schenckii infection in farmers of the Shushufindi Canton of the Sucumbíos Province

La esporotricosis es una micosis subcutánea causada por la inoculación traumática en la piel de especies de hongos del género Sporothrix. La enfermedad tiene diferentes manifestaciones clínicas (cutáneas, linfocutáneas y diseminadas), y también puede progresar a una infección sistémica. A pesar de tener una distribución mundial, la esporotricosis es más frecuente en los países tropicales y subtropicales. La esporotricosis es la micosis subcutánea más frecuente en América Latina, donde se considera endémica. Ciertos grupos de personas pueden estar más expuestos al agente causal de la enfermedad, como los agricultores. Así, este trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar la prevalencia de la esporotricosis en 3.133 agricultores, en el cantón de Shushufindi de la provincia de Sucumbíos, Ecuador. En este estudio, se utilizó una prueba de intradermorreacción con el antígeno esporotriquina obtenido del hongo Sporothrix schenckii. Los datos obtenidos mostraron una prevalencia de 35,45%. La distribución de la prevalencia de la esporotricosis con respecto a los grupos de edad no mostró diferencias estadísticas significativas (p=0,2054). Para la variable sexo, si hubo significancia estadística (p=0,01995). 51 de los casos positivos presentaron gomas y/o úlceras en alguno de sus miembros. La esporotricosis ha demostrado ser una de las micosis subcutáneas más frecuente en los trabajadores de la agricultura en la región ecuatoriana evaluada(AU)

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by traumatic skin inoculation of fungal species of the genus Sporothrix. The disease has different clinical manifestations (cutaneous, lymphocutaneous, and disseminated), and it can also progress to a systemic infection. Despite having a worldwide distribution, sporotrichosis is more common in tropical and subtropical countries. Sporotrichosis is the most frequent subcutaneous mycosis in Latin America, where it is considered endemic. Certain groups of people may be more exposed to the causative agent of the disease, such as farmers. Thus, this work aimed to determine the prevalence of sporotrichosis in 3133 farmers, in the canton of Shushufindi in the province of Sucumbíos, Ecuador. In this study, an intradermal test was used with the sporotrichin antigen obtained from the fungus Sporothrix schenckii. The data obtained showed a prevalence of 35.45%. The distribution of the prevalence of sporotrichosis with respect to age groups did not show significant statistical differences (p=0.2054). For the sex variable, there was statistical significance (p=0.01995). 51 of the positive cases presented gums and/or ulcers in one of their members. Sporotrichosis has proven to be one of the most frequent subcutaneous mycoses in agricultural workers in the evaluated Ecuadorian region(AU)

Human sporotrichosis: recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Dermatology for the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic management

Abstract Background: The increase in the zoonotic epidemic of sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis, which started in the late 1990s in Rio de Janeiro and is now found in almost all Brazilian states, has been equally advancing in neighboring countries of Brazil. Changes in the clinical-epidemiological profile, advances in the laboratory diagnosis of the disease, and therapeutic difficulties have been observed throughout these almost 25 years of the epidemic, although there is no national consensus. The last international guideline dates from 2007. Objectives: Update the clinical classification, diagnostic methods and recommendations on the therapeutic management of patients with sporotrichosis. Methods: Twelve experts in human sporotrichosis were selected from different Brazilian regions, and divided into three work groups: clinical, diagnosis and treatment. The bibliographic research was carried out on the EBSCOHost platform. Meetings took place via electronic mail and remote/face-to-face and hybrid settings, resulting in a questionnaire which pointed out 13 divergences, resolved based on the opinion of the majority of the participants. Results: The clinical classification and laboratory diagnosis were updated. Therapeutic recommendations were made for the different clinical forms. Conclusions: Publication of the first national recommendation, carried out by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, aimed at the Brazilian scientific community, especially dermatologists, infectologists, pediatricians, family medicine personnel, and laboratory professionals who work in the management of human sporotrichosis.

In vitro evaluation of Sporothrix brasiliensis biotherapic

Sporothrix brasiliensisis one of themost virulent zoonosis which affects animals and humans. This fungus is responsible for subcutaneous infection and its contamination is possible through trauma to the skin. Sporotrichosis is highly prevalent in feline. And Rio de Janeiro appears to have the highest occurrence of cases. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the in vitroefficacy of Sporothrix brasiliensisbiotherapic, with and without an association to allopathic medicine commonly used in the treatment.Methodology: Conidiumcells of Sporothrix brasiliensiswill be cultured in Potato dextrose agar (PDA) for 5 to 7 days and yeast cells in Brain heart infusion (BHI) for 3 to 5 days. After incubation, the cells will be scraped with a drigalski handle and filtered using cells strainer into a tube and centrifuge for 5 minutes at 3000 RPM. The cells will be resuspended with Phosphate buffered saline (PBS), centrifuge again,and finally resuspended in PBS. After preparing the inocule, the microplates will be prepared. There will be 5groups in vitro. The first one will be the control group, only fungi. The second will be the treatment of fungi with homeopathic medicine (Sporothrix brasiliensis30DH). The third group will be the homeopathic medicine in association with itraconazole. The fourth will be the treatment with itraconazole only. And the last group will be the fungi with dynamized distilled water 30DH. Sporothrix brasiliensis30DHwill be prepared according to Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopeia. Results and discussions: The experiments are still in progress and the results will be analyzed through Analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine statistically significant differences. Previous articles based on biotherapic treatments demonstrated successful results, so our research group is conducting these experiments to evaluate the effect in this model. Conclusion: Experiments will be made to verify the efficacy of biotherapic on sporotrichosis treatments.

Sporotrichosis: hyperendemic by zoonotic transmission, with atypical presentations, hypersensitivity reactions and greater severity

Abstract In recent decades, an alarming increase in the number of sporotrichosis cases has been reported in southern and southeastern Brazil, especially in the state of Rio de Janeiro, has been considered a long-term hyperendemic condition associated with feline transmission. According to phenotypic classifications, the Sporothrix species recovered from cats were classified as S. brasiliensis in 96.5% of the studied cases. This finding has also been demonstrated in humans, which confirms the zoonotic transmission associated with this predominant species in Brazil. The zoonotic transmission of the fungus and its important virulence in the context of the hyperendemic situation in Rio de Janeiro have changed the approach to the disease, which in its classic form was restricted to certain professional groups and very specific regions in the Brazilian territory, into a public health challenge of scientific interest. Its atypical manifestations and hypersensitivity reactions are increasingly frequent, constituting a new sporotrichosis aspect, which deserves attention from the medical community, as well as from other health professionals.

Research progress in sporotrichosis / 中华皮肤科杂志

Sporotrichosis has been classified as "neglected tropical diseases" by the World Health Organization. In recent years, researches on sporotrichosis have gradually increased. This review summarizes recent progress in sporotrichosis in terms of pathogens, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and vaccines.

In vitro activity of Schinus terebinthifolius extract and fractions against Sporothrix brasiliensis

BACKGROUND Sporothrix brasiliensis is the causative agent of zoonotic cases of sporotrichosis in Brazil and is associated with atypical and severe presentations in cats, dogs, and humans. Sporotrichosis treatment is usually time- and cost-consuming, sometimes with poor response and host toxicity. Schinus terebinthifolius has proven efficacy against bacteria and fungi of clinical interest. OBJECTIVE To determine the in vitro activity of S. terebinthifolius against S. brasiliensis. METHODS Five S. brasiliensis isolates and three reference strains were subjected to a hydroethanol extract derived from the leaves of S. terebinthifolius and its fractions. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the broth microdilution method according to the M38-A2 CLSI guidelines. Also, the fungicidal/fungistatic activity of the extract and fractions was studied. FINDINGS The crude extract of S. terebinthifolius inhibited the growth of S. brasiliensis (MIC: 0.5-1.0 µg/mL), while the partitioned extracts dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and butanol demonstrated growth inhibition at 8 µg/mL due to a fungistatic activity. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Due to its in vitro efficacy against S. brasiliensis and its known pharmacological safety, S. terebinthifolius is a candidate to be tested using in vivo models of sporotrichosis.

In vitro susceptibility of Sporothrix spp. to complexes coordinated with Co(II) and cobalt chloride hexahydrate

Abstract Sporothrix spp. are the major dimorphic fungus associated with a type of subcutaneous mycosis, sporotrichosis. The limitation of antifungal availability and the past reports of in vitro resistance of Sporothrix spp. clinical isolates makes it important to search for new compounds with antifungal activities. In this study, we therefore evaluate the in vitro activities of complexes coordinated with Co(II) and cobalt chloride hexahydrate against clinical isolates of Sporothrix spp. Broth microdilution test was performed as per M38-A2 from CLSI (2008) in duplicate for 31 clinical isolates of Sporothrix spp. (27 S. brasiliensis e 04 S. schenckii stricto sensu). The antifungal activities of the complexes coordinated with Co(II) and cobalt chloride hexahydrate were detected at a concentration range of 32-128 µg/mL for all isolates. None of the compounds demonstrated any cytotoxicity (to macrophage cells) at the concentration of 200 µg/mL. The activity against Sporothrix spp. recorded in this study instigate the continuity of experimental studies with Co(II) to search for the mechanisms of antifungal action as well as to evaluate its interaction with the commercial antifungal drugs.

Esporotricosis linfocutánea en un paciente pediátrico, a propósito de un caso / Lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis in a pediatric patient, a case report

Resumen La esporotricosis es una infección fúngica de evolución subagudacrónica causada por hongos dimórficos del Complejo Sporothrix schenckii. Es más frecuente en zonas tropicales. La prevalencia en Argentina se estima entre 0,01 y 0,02%. En la mitad de los pacientes se manifiesta como una esporotricosis linfocutánea, la cual se produce tras la inoculación del hongo en la piel luego de un trauma menor. La lesión inicial es una pápula o nódulo que se sucede con la aparición de una cadena ascendente de nódulos subcutáneos móviles, indoloros y eritematosos. El diagnóstico se realiza a partir del cultivo micológico. El antifúngico de elección es itraconazol y el pronóstico es usualmente favorable. Se presenta el caso de una niña de 4 años, previamente sana, que consultó por adenopatías axilares de evolución subaguda sin respuesta a múltiples esquemas antimicrobianos, confirmándose el diagnóstico de una esporotricosis linfocutánea por el cultivo de una biopsia ganglionar.

Abstract Sporotrichosis is a subacute-chronic fungal infection caused by dimorphic fungi of the Sporothrix schenckii Complex. It is more common in tropical areas. The prevalence in Argentina is estimated between 0.01 and 0.02%. In half of the patients it manifests as lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis, which occurs after inoculation of the fungus into the skin after minor trauma. The initial lesion is a papule or nodule that occurs with the appearance of an ascending chain of mobile, painless and erythematous subcutaneous nodules. The diagnosis is made from mycological culture. The antifungal of choice is itraconazole and the prognosis is usually favorable. We present the case of a healthy 4-year-old girl who consulted for subacute axillary lymphadenopathy without response to multiple antimicrobial regimens, arriving at the diagnosis of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis from the culture of a lymph node biopsy sample.

Esporotricosis, una realidad aún presente en Chile: a propósito de un caso / Sporotrichosis, a reality still present in Chile: a case report

OBJETIVO: Reportar un caso de esporotricosis linfocutánea contraída en Chile y realizar una revisión de la literatura con énfasis en los hallazgos dermatoscópicos de las lesiones y en los casos reportados en el país. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente adulto mayor con lesiones nodulares ulceradas siguiendo trayecto linfático en extremidad superior derecha. RESULTADOS: Estudio micológico confirmó la presencia de Sporothrix schenckii. Se inició tratamiento con antifúngico oral con buena respuesta terapéutica. CONCLUSIONES: Existe un escaso número de reporte de esporotricosis linfocutánea contraída en Chile con confirmación micológica. Este es el único caso chileno con descripción dermatoscópica de las lesiones.

OBJETIVE: To report a case of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis adquired in Chile and provide a review of the literature with emphasis on dermoscopic findings and previous cases reported in the country. CLINICAL CASE: An elderly patient presented with ulcerated nodular lesions following lymphatic vessels in his right upper limb.RESULTS: Mycological work-up confirmed the presence of Sporothrix schenkii. Oral antifungal treatment was initiated with good therapeutic response. CONCLUSIONS: Few case reports of lymphocutaneous sporotricosis adquired in Chile can be found in literature. Until now this is the only chilean case with dermoscopic description of the lesions.

Sporotrichosis refractory to conventional treatment: therapeutic success with potassium iodide

Abstract Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by dimorphic fungi of the genus Sporothrix. The authors report a case of fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis with therapeutic failure after 18 months of itraconazole and terbinafine associated with cryosurgery. The patient was cured after the introduction of saturated potassium iodide solution. Sporothrix brasiliensis was the identified species, presenting a susceptibility profile to itraconazole and terbinafine. This fact suggests that therapeutic failure is probably related to the host-fungus interaction rather than drug resistance. It is possible that the immunomodulatory action of the saturated potassium iodide solution may have played an important role in curing this patient.