The rising incidence of feline and cat‐transmitted sporotrichosis in Latin America

Abstract

IntroductionSporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by different species of thermodimorphic fungi belonging to the genus Sporothrix. These fungi may affect a wide range of warm‐blooded animals, including humans, dogs and, mainly, cats.MethodsIn this article, we conducted a narrative literature review about the status of feline and cat‐transmitted sporotrichosis in Latin American countries, with emphasis on Brazil.ResultsFrom a global perspective, Latin America is one of the main foci of human and feline sporotrichosis. In humans, the disease has been reported in several countries, with endemic transmission occurring in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico and Uruguay. Sporothrix brasiliensis is the most common species identified in human cases in Brazil, whereas Sporothrix schenckii predominates in other countries.ConclusionDomestic cats are the main source of infection in the zoonotic transmission cycle of sporotrichosis in Latin America. Cases of feline sporotrichosis have been reported in several countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Peru.