International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) One Health Sporotrichosis Working Group Proceedings-Bogota, Colombia, 2024 INFOCUS Conference.

Abstract

Sporothrix brasiliensis, an emerging fungal threat, is spreading through South America with more than five countries in the Americas now reporting cases. Compared to other species, S. brasiliensis is more virulent, and its primary transmission route to humans is from direct contact with infected cats. The increasing number of cases across South America and the challenges in preventing zoonotic transmission pose a significant and growing public health concern. On November 23, 2024, the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology One Health Sporotrichosis Working Group held a symposium to discuss current challenges and potential strategies. This article represents an overview of the discussions that occurred during the symposium focusing on four broad categories: identifying and monitoring introduction of S. brasiliensis in new regions; diagnosis; treatment of humans and cats; preventing and controlling the spread of S. brasiliensis. Overarching themes from all four categories included a gap in the scientific understanding needed to effectively guide public health action and clinical care and the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to address the problem. A better understanding of the epidemiology, including transmission, and optimal diagnostics and clinical treatments, is needed. Public health activities with a One Health approach, including surveillance, health education, prevention, and control efforts, may benefit from innovative strategies that involve microbiologists, veterinarians, physicians, and public health officials.