Sporotrichosis is an implantation mycosis with subcutaneo-lymphatic or, more rarely, a viscerally disseminated affection; it can be acquired through traumatic percutaneous inoculation of the fungus present in soil or plant matter, or by feline scratching. Among the causative agents, Sporothrix brasiliensis is considered the most virulent species with a high prevalence in Brazil and recently in Argentina.
Objective: To describe a S. brasiliensis outbreak in domestic and feral cats detected in the Magallanes region of southern Chile.
Materials and methods: Between the months of July and September 2022, three cats presented with suppurative subcutaneous lesions located mainly on the head and thoracic limbs. The cytology revealed the presence of yeasts with morphological characteristics suggestive of Sporothrix spp. The histopathology confirmed pyogranulomatous subcutaneous lesions associated with the presence of the same yeasts. The fungal culture followed by the partial gene sequence and analysis of the ITS region confirmed the diagnosis of the S. brasiliensis as the causative agent. The cats were treated with itraconazole associated in one case with potassium iodide. The evolution of the patients was favorable in all cases.
Conclusions: An outbreak caused by S. brasiliensis was detected in domestic and feral cats in austral Chile. The correct identification of this fungus and antifungigram is essential for treatment decisions and for designing dissemination control and prevention programs under a one health approach that consider the health of people, animals, and the environment.
Keywords: Sporothrix brasiliensis; cats; outbreak; zoonotic disease.