Abstract

Sporothrix schenckii is a dimorphic fungus that can cause sporotrichosis. S. schenckii exists in hyphal form at temperatures below 37°C or as yeast at temperatures equal to or above 37°C. Different strains of S. schenckii have been identified, with the S. schenckii complex being the most commonly found in America, Asia, and Africa. The S. braziliensis, found in Brazil, is known to be transmitted by infected cats. Feline sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by dimorphic fungi of the genus Sporothrix. In cats, it manifests clinically as cutaneous nodules, nasal discharge, and generalized ulcerative lesions. In humans, sporotrichosis is classified as cutaneous, mucosal, osteoarticular, systemic, immunoreactive, and mixed localized, with the cutaneous form being the most common. It is a zoonosis increasingly reported in Brazil. Strategies for managing the disease include early diagnosis, isolation and treatment of infected cats, control of stray animal populations, and public health education on responsible pet ownership

Keywords

Sporotrichosis, dimorphic fungus, zoonotic disease, humans, cats