Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Feline sporotrichosis skin nodules and ulcers in Brazil pets
By Gremião, Isabella D F et al.·Published in Medical mycology·2015·Laborató, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Feline sporotrichosis: epidemiological and clinical aspects.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat in Brazil was diagnosed with sporotrichosis, a fungal infection that can cause skin lesions and even affect internal organs. This disease is particularly common in Rio de Janeiro, where thousands of cases have been reported. Symptoms include nodules and ulcers on the skin, and in severe cases, respiratory issues may arise. The cat was treated with itraconazole, which is the preferred medication for this condition, but treatment can be lengthy and there is a chance of recurrence after the cat is discharged.
People also search for: cat skin lesions treatment · sporotrichosis in cats · itraconazole for cat fungal infection · cat respiratory problems · cat fungal infection symptoms
Abstract
Feline sporotrichosis, which is caused by species of the Sporothrix schenckii complex, is endemic to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. More than 4000 cases of the disease were diagnosed at Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Brazil, between 1998 and 2012. Sporotrichosis in cats has been reported in several countries, but nowhere has an outbreak of animal sporotrichosis been as large as that seen in Brazil. The clinical manifestations of the disease range from an isolated skin lesion that can progress to multiple skin lesions and even fatal systemic involvement. Nodules and ulcers are the most common types of lesions, and respiratory signs and mucosa involvement are frequent. The definitive diagnosis depends on isolation of the etiologic agent in culture. Cytology, histopathology, and serology are useful tools for preliminary diagnosis. Severe pyogranulomatous inflammatory infiltrate, high fungal load, and extension of lesions to mucosa, cartilage, and bone in the nose of cats are indicative of an agent of high virulence in this endemic region. Itraconazole is the drug of choice, while, in refractory cases, amphotericin B or potassium iodide might be alternative treatments; however, recurrence after discharge may occur. Sporotrichosis persists as a neglected disease in Rio de Janeiro, and the treatment of cats remains a challenging and long-term endeavor.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25477076/