Non-Zoonotic Transmission of Sporotrichosis: A Translational Study of Forty-Three Cases in a Zoonotic Hyperendemic Area

Abstract

Over the past two decades, zoonotic sporotrichosis transmitted by naturally infected cats has become hyperendemic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. <i>Sporothrix brasiliensis</i> is the main agent involved. However, there are other forms of transmission of sporotrichosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate and associate the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic data and the susceptibility of <i>Sporothrix</i> spp. to antifungal drugs in 43 non-zoonotic sporotrichosis cases. Forty-three clinical strains of <i>Sporothrix</i> were identified by partial sequencing of the calmodulin gene. An antifungal susceptibility test of amphotericin B, terbinafine, itraconazole, posaconazole and isavuconazole was performed according to the broth microdilution method. Most patients were male (55.8%). Regarding the source of infection, 21 patients (48.8%) reported trauma involving plants and/or contact with soil. <i>Sporothrix brasiliensis</i> was the predominant species (n = 39), followed by <i>S. globosa</i> (n = 3) and <i>S. schenckii</i> (n = 1). <i>Sporothrix brasiliensis</i> was associated with all the sources of infection, reinforcing previous data showing the presence of this species in environmental sources, as well as with all the clinical forms, including severe cases. One clinical strain of <i>Sporothrix brasiliensis</i> was classified as a non-wild-type strain for amphotericin B and another for itraconazole. <i>S. schenckii</i> was classified as non-WT for all the antifungals tested. In this context, it is important to emphasize that non-zoonotic sporotrichosis still occurs in the state of Rio de Janeiro, with <i>S. brasiliensis</i> as the main etiological agent, primarily associated with infections acquired after traumatic inoculation with plants and/or soil contact, followed by <i>S. globosa</i> and <i>S. schenckii</i>. In addition, non-WT strains were found, indicating the need to monitor the antifungal susceptibility profile of these species. It is crucial to investigate other natural sources of <i>S. brasiliensis</i> to better understand this fungal pathogen and its environment and host cycle.