In the Literature
Hennessee I, Barber E, Petro E, et al. Sporotrichosis cluster in domestic cats and veterinary technician, Kansas, USA, 2022. Emerg Infect Dis. 2024;30(5):1053-1055. doi:10.3201/eid3005.231563
The Research …
Sporotrichosis is caused by dimorphic fungi in the genus Sporothrix, which includes >50 species that are mostly nonpathogenic environmental fungi in or on soil, plants, and other organic material.1 The Sporothrix schenckii complex comprises several pathogenic taxa, including S brasiliensis and S schenckii sensu stricto.1 S schenckii exists in a hyphal (ie, mold) form in environments <37°C (98.6°F) and in a budding, cigar-shaped yeast form in environments >37°C (98.6°F).2
Human cases of sporotrichosis transmitted by cats have been observed in North America (most commonly, S schenckii), South America (most commonly, S brasiliensis), and Asia, with feline cases also documented in Australia, Spain, Japan, and Germany.3 An epidemic with >4,000 feline cases has been ongoing in Brazil since 1952; the United States has the next highest total with 62 cases.3
This report describes a cluster of sporotrichosis cases involving 2 cats in the United States. A 2-year-old pregnant indoor/outdoor cat was presented with an ulcerated skin lesion on the distal paw thought to be incurred from a fight with another cat. The wound worsened despite antibiotic treatment, and additional ulcerated lesions developed along the thoracic limb. Cytologic examination of an impression smear found yeast consistent with Sporothrix spp, and lesions improved following additional treatment with itraconazole and meloxicam. After the cat gave birth to 2 healthy kittens, lesions reappeared, and terbinafine was added to the treatment regimen; however, lesions worsened, and the cat was euthanized.
During examination, a veterinary technician’s glove was punctured by the infected paw. A blister developed 2 weeks later and progressed to sporotrichoid lymphadenopathy. The technician recovered after 8 months of treatment with oral itraconazole.
Approximately 7 months after presentation of the pregnant cat, the owners returned with another indoor/outdoor cat from the same location with similar lesions. Cytology confirmed Sporothrix spp, which was successfully treated with 4 months of itraconazole administration.
… The Takeaways
Key pearls to put into practice:
Sporotrichosis does not spread between humans but can spread between cats and from cats to humans, typically through bites or scratches, which should be washed promptly with soap and water.4
Veterinary team members and pet owners should wear nitrile or similar gloves when handling and treating patients (especially cats) with skin lesions. Bite-resistant outer gloves should also be worn if the patient is uncooperative or has a history of biting and/or scratching.
S schenckii has been cultured from the hair of cats, rats, and rabbits living near infected horses; most mammals can be at risk for contracting or transmitting sporotrichosis.4 Owners should be asked whether other animals (especially cats) or family members have similar skin lesions and counseled that additional cases can occur, especially if the contaminated environmental or animal source is still present. Patients with confirmed sporotrichosis should be isolated indoors and treated until lesions are fully resolved. Owners should consult a physician if they develop lesions or lymphadenopathy.
Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment with appropriate antifungals can improve outcomes and may help prevent transmission.5
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