CLINICAL-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF FELINE-TRANSMITTED SPOROTRICHOSIS (FTS) IN CURITIBA, PARANÁ: A RETROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN A NEW OUTPATIENT SERVICE, 2022–2024

Abstract

Introduction: Zoonotic sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis has expanded in Brazil and has become an important public health problem. This survey aimed to analyze the profile of suspected human cases of FTS seen between October 2022 and October 2024 in a new outpatient service. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional quantitative study with retrospective documentary analysis of medical records of patients referred from health units in the Curitiba Metropolitan Region to a new infectious disease outpatient clinic at a private higher education institution. Results: During the period, 10,810 patients were referred to the clinic; 972 (9%) were seen in infectious diseases, of whom 73 (7.5%) were suspected fungal diseases. Of these, 33 (45.2%) were referred specifically for investigation of sporotrichosis. Only seven (21.2%) attended the consultation, indicating absenteeism of 78.8%. Adult women predominated, with a mean age of 48 years. Only one chart recorded the patient’s profession and occupational link to FTS. The lymphocutaneous form was most frequent, with lesions predominantly on the upper limbs. Diagnosis was based mainly on clinical-epidemiological findings. Itraconazole was the drug of choice for treatment, achieving a cure rate of 57.2%. Loss to follow-up was 42.8%. Conclusion: The results reinforce the need to expand laboratory capacity, standardize medical records, and improve epidemiological surveillance. Continuous training of healthcare professionals in FTS management was highlighted. Human–feline interaction remains central to transmission, requiring integrated strategies among physicians, veterinarians, and health authorities for disease control and prevention.