Emergence of feline sporotrichosis with zoonotic risk in a municipality of the Eastern Amazon, Brazil

Sporotrichosis is a zoonotic implantation mycosis caused by dimorphic fungi of the genus Sporothrix. Transmission occurs through traumatic inoculation of the fungus and may involve different routes, including sapronotic transmission from contaminated soil, plants, and organic matter, zoonotic transmission mainly associated with infected felines, and, less frequently, contaminated fomites. The disease remained neglected for many years; however, several regions have recently reported outbreaks that are difficult to control. Thus, this study aimed to describe the emergence of sporotrichosis in the interior of the state of Pará. Twenty-three suspected cases were evaluated, of which 20 animals were confirmed with the disease in the municipality of Castanhal-PA, all presenting suggestive clinical signs and lesions. Diagnosis was confirmed by fungal culture. A higher incidence of the disease was observed in animals with access to the street and in regions with forest areas or recent occupation. Early diagnosis of sporotrichosis favors treatment, as localized lesions show a better response to drug therapy.