Sporotrichosis and Epidemiological Dynamics
Summary
Sporotrichosis is a chronic subcutaneous mycosis caused by thermodimorphic fungi of the genus Sporothrix. Traditionally associated with traumatic inoculation of environmental propagules, the disease has undergone a paradigm shift with the emergence of zoonotic transmission, particularly via domestic cats. This transition has precipitated large urban and peri-urban outbreaks in several regions, most notably in Latin America. Key pathogenic species now include Sporothrix brasiliensis, S. schenckii sensu stricto and S. globosa, which exhibit distinct geographic distributions, virulence profiles and antifungal susceptibilities. Epidemiological dynamics are shaped by interspecies interactions, host immunocompetence, environmental reservoirs and social determinants such as urbanisation and limited access to veterinary care. Clonal expansion of hypervirulent lineages, coupled with recombination in environmental species, underpins both rapid epidemic spread and emergence of novel genotypes. The global significance of sporotrichosis has prompted integration of human, animal and environmental health interventions, underscoring the importance of surveillance, rapid diagnostic methods and targeted treatment strategies. Recent advances in molecular epidemiology have elucidated transmission networks, revealed cryptic species diversity and informed tailored public-health measures, offering a comprehensive framework for future control efforts.
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Sporotrichosis and Epidemiological Dynamics publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in sporotrichosis and epidemiological dynamics across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Sporotrichosis: A subcutaneous fungal infection caused by thermodimorphic Sporothrix species, affecting skin and lymphatic tissue.
Zoonotic transmission: Transmission pathway by which a pathogen is passed from an animal reservoir, commonly domestic cats, to humans.
Clonal expansion: Proliferation of genetically identical pathogen strains during an outbreak, indicating limited genetic diversity.
Lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis: The most common clinical presentation, characterised by nodular lesions following lymphatic channels.
One Health approach: Collaborative framework recognising interdependence of human, animal and environmental health in disease control.
References
- Zoonotic Epidemic of Sporotrichosis: Cat to Human Transmission. PLOS Pathogens (2017).
- Rising Incidence of Sporothrix brasiliensis Infections, Curitiba, Brazil, 2011–2022 - Volume 29, Number 7—July 2023 - Emerging Infectious Diseases journal - CDC. Emerging Infectious Diseases (2023).
- Systematic review of literature to evaluate global distribution of species of the Sporothrix genus stored in culture collections. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology (2024).
- Geographic Expansion of Sporotrichosis, Brazil - Volume 26, Number 3—March 2020 - Emerging Infectious Diseases journal - CDC. Emerging Infectious Diseases (2020).
- Emerging sporotrichosis is driven by clonal and recombinant Sporothrix species. Emerging Microbes & Infections (2014).
- Genetic diversity and antifungal susceptibility profiles in causative agents of sporotrichosis. BMC Infectious Diseases (2014).
- Molecular Diagnosis of Pathogenic Sporothrix Species. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2015).
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