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Feline sporotrichosis: an increasingly important zoonotic disease in Malaysia

Zamri-Saad M, Salmiyah TS, Jasni S, Cheng BY, Basri K

Vet Rec, 1990 Nov 10;127(19):480.
PMID: 2270639
Matched MeSH terms: Sporotrichosis/pathology; Sporotrichosis/transmission*; Sporotrichosis/veterinary
Disseminated sporotrichosis in a patient with a past history of lepromatous leprosy: a case report

Wong SM, Tang JJ

Med Mycol, 2012 May;50(4):404-6.
PMID: 22074310 DOI: 10.3109/13693786.2011.630684

Disseminated sporotrichosis is uncommon and usually occurs in patients who are immunodeficient. Here we describe a male patient who was otherwise in good physical condition, who presented with disseminated sporotrichosis. The only significant event in his past medical history was lepromatous leprosy which had been treated 42 years earlier.

Matched MeSH terms: Sporotrichosis/diagnosis*; Sporotrichosis/pathology*
Sporotrichosis

Adam BA, Soon SH, Rajamani R

Med J Malaysia, 1974 Sep;29(1):70-2.
PMID: 4282637
Matched MeSH terms: Sporotrichosis/diagnosis*
Fulltext Disseminated cutaneous sporotrichosis in an immunocompetent individual

Yap FB

Int J Infect Dis, 2011 Oct;15(10):e727-9.
PMID: 21719337 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2011.05.005

Sporotrichosis is a subacute or chronic fungal infection caused by the ubiquitous fungus Sporothrix schenckii. Disseminated cutaneous sporotrichosis is an uncommon entity and is usually present in the immunosuppressed. Here, a case of disseminated cutaneous sporotrichosis in an immunocompetent patient is reported. This 70-year-old healthy woman presented with multiple painful ulcerated nodules on her face and upper and lower extremities of 6-month duration, associated with low-grade fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and loss of weight. Histopathological examination of the skin biopsy revealed epidermal hyperplasia and granulomatous inflammation in the dermis, with budding yeast. Fungal culture identified S. schenckii. She had total resolution of the lesions after 2 weeks of intravenous amphotericin B and 8 months of oral itraconazole. All investigations for underlying immunosuppression and internal organ involvement were negative. This case reiterates that disseminated cutaneous sporotrichosis, although common in the immunosuppressed, can also be seen in immunocompetent patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Sporotrichosis/diagnosis*; Sporotrichosis/microbiology; Sporotrichosis/pathology
Fulltext Sporotrichosis atypical presentation as a soft tissue tumour

Ramli R, Abd Rashid AH, Phang KS, Khaithir TM

Malays J Pathol, 2009 Dec;31(2):143-5.
PMID: 20514859 MyJurnal

Sporotrichosis is a mycosis caused by a saprophytic dimorphic fungus named Sporothrix schenckii. Infections occur following traumatic inoculation of fungus from plants and infected cat bites and scratches. We report a case of a farmer who presented with a solitary subcutaneous nodule initially diagnosed as a soft tissue tumour. A history of agricultural activity and feline contact should draw the clinician's attention to sporotrichosis, as the diagnosis can be easily missed in atypical cases. The diagnosis, microbiology and management of the case are discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Sporotrichosis/diagnosis*; Sporotrichosis/microbiology; Sporotrichosis/surgery
Molecular epidemiology of Sporothrix schenkii isolates in Malaysia

Kamal Azam NK, Selvarajah GT, Santhanam J, Abdul Razak MF, Ginsapu SJ, James JE, et al.

Med Mycol, 2020 Jul 01;58(5):617-625.
PMID: 31642485 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz106

Sporothrix schenkii is a dimorphic fungus that causes infections in both humans and animals. We report on 25 S. schenkii isolates collected in 2017 from humans and cats clinically diagnosed with sporotrichosis, in Malaysia. These isolates were phenotypically identified as S. schenkii sensu lato and further defined as S. schenckii sensu stricto based on partial calmodulin gene sequence. Isolates from both humans and cats were genotypically identical but displayed phenotypic variation. Phylogenetic analyses based on partial calmodulin sequence showed that the Malaysian isolates clustered with global S. schenkii sensu stricto strains, in particular, of the AFLP type E. This analysis also revealed that partial calmodulin sequence alone was sufficient for classifying global S. schenckii sensu stricto strains into their respective AFLP types, from A to E. The genetically conserved S. schenkii sensu stricto species isolated from humans and cats is suggestive of a clonal strain present in Malaysia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on molecular identification of Sporothrix schenkii strains from human infections in Malaysia. Further studies are required in order to elucidate the clonal nature of Malaysian S. schenkii isolates. Our findings indicate the presence of a predominant S. schenkii genotype in the environment, causing infections in both cats and humans in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Sporotrichosis/microbiology*; Sporotrichosis/epidemiology*; Sporotrichosis/veterinary
Fulltext Feline sporotrichosis in Asia

Han HS, Kano R

Braz J Microbiol, 2021 Mar;52(1):125-134.
PMID: 32363567 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-020-00274-5

Sporothrix schenckii sensu lato is currently recognized as a species complex with only Sporothrix brasiliensis, Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto, Sporothrix globosa and Sporothrix pallida identified to cause disease in the cat. Feline sporotrichosis in Asia is mainly reported from Malaysia where a single clonal strain of clinical clade D, Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto manifesting low susceptibility to major antifungal classes, has been identified as the agent of the disease. Sporothrix globosa has been identified to cause disease from a single cat in Japan while the specific species of agent has not been identified yet for the disease in Thailand. Despite efforts to elucidate and describe the pathogenicity of the agent and the disease it causes, the paucity of data highlights the need for further molecular epidemiological studies to characterize this fungus and the disease it causes in Asia. Its prognosis remains guarded to poor due to issues pertaining to cost, protracted treatment course, zoonotic potential and low susceptibility of some strains to antifungals.

Matched MeSH terms: Sporotrichosis/drug therapy; Sporotrichosis/microbiology*
Fulltext The Current Status of Feline Sporotrichosis in Malaysia

Siew HH

Nihon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi, 2017;58(3):E107-E113.
PMID: 28855477 DOI: 10.3314/mmj.17.014

Feline sporotrichosis has been reported in Malaysia since the 1990's. Since then, studies have revealed that clinical clade D, Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto, of a single clonal strain is the most common cause of this disease in Malaysia. The prevalence of a single clonal strain from a clinical clade was never before reported in Asia in a specific geographical niche. This raises the possibility of a process of purifying selection and subsequent clonal proliferation. While agricultural practices may serve as the selective pressure, direct causality has yet to be established. Studies into the thermo-tolerability of the Malaysian clonal strain of S. schenckii sensu stricto revealed that a small minority of clinical isolates have the capacity to grow at 37℃, while the majority displayed low susceptibility to commonly used antifungals in clinical practice, such as itraconazole (ITZ) and terbinafine (TRB). Despite unestablished breakpoints, suspected resistance (MIC > 4 mg/mL) towards amphotericin B (AMB) and fluconazole (FLC) was recorded in the isolates. This explains the often lack of clinical response in feline patients treated with recommended doses of antifungals, including ITZ. Coupled with the potential zoonotic transmission to clients and veterinarians, protracted treatment period, and subsequent cost of treatment, prognosis of feline sporotrichosis is often regarded to be poor. The use of a higher dose of ITZ has been reported, and an adoption of this high-dose treatment regime is reported in this manuscript, with complete cure achieved in cases of recalcitrant and/or unresponsive feline sporotrichosis, which would otherwise be euthanized.

Matched MeSH terms: Sporotrichosis/microbiology; Sporotrichosis/epidemiology*; Sporotrichosis/transmission; Sporotrichosis/veterinary*
Molecular typing of Sporothrix schenckii isolates from cats in Malaysia

Kano R, Okubo M, Siew HH, Kamata H, Hasegawa A

Mycoses, 2015 Apr;58(4):220-4.
PMID: 25727965 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12302

Epidemiological data on the aetiologic agents of feline sporotrichosis in Malaysia have not been reported, though human sporotrichosis in Malaysia is reported to be transmitted primarily via cat scratch. To the best of our knowledge, the present report is the first study of the molecular epidemiology of Sporothrix schenckii isolates from cats with sporotrichosis in Malaysia. In the present work, we characterised 18 clinical isolates from cats in Malaysia based on molecular properties, including sequence analyses of the calmodulin gene and the rDNA ITS region and selective PCR of mating type (MAT) loci. In this study, isolates from feline sporotrichosis were identified as a S. schenckii sensu stricto by sequence analyses of the calmodulin gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Notably, phylogenetic analysis of the ITS confirmed assignment to clinical clade D (and not C) of S. schenckii sensu stricto. Therefore, clinical clade D of S. schenckii sensu stricto appeared to be the prevailing source of feline sporotrichosis in Malaysia. The ratio of MAT1-1-1:MAT1-2-1 in these Malaysian isolates was found to be 1 : 0. This result suggested that a clonal strain of S. schenckii is the prevailing causative agent of feline sporotrichosis in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Sporotrichosis/microbiology; Sporotrichosis/veterinary*
Cutaneous sporotrichosis: a six-year review of 19 cases in a tertiary referral center in Malaysia

Tang MM, Tang JJ, Gill P, Chang CC, Baba R

Int J Dermatol, 2012 Jun;51(6):702-8.
PMID: 22607289 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2011.05229.x

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous fungal infection caused by a thermally dimorphic aerobic fungus, Sporothrix schenckii. It results from traumatic inoculation or contact with animals. Most cases were reported mainly in the tropics and subtropics.

Matched MeSH terms: Sporotrichosis/diagnosis*; Sporotrichosis/drug therapy; Sporotrichosis/etiology
Fulltext A Case of Acute Granulomatous Conjunctivitis Caused by Cat-transmitted Sporothrix schenckii

Ling JLL, Koh KL, Tai E, Sakinah Z, Nor Sharina Y, Hussein A

Cureus, 2018 Oct 08;10(10):e3428.
PMID: 30546976 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.3428

In human, sporotrichosis infection commonly manifests as skin lesions through direct inoculation. It is rarely associated with ocular manifestation via a zoonotic transmission. We describe a young lady who presented with acute left eye granulomatous conjunctivitis who had a history of exposure to her sick cat diagnosed with sporotrichosis infection. Sporothrix schenckii was isolated from the culture of the excised conjunctival tissue. The patient recovered fully after six months of oral anti-fungal treatment. Clinicians should be aware of this new zoonotic infection transmitted by infected felines as it is reversible with timely diagnosis and initiation of anti-fungal therapy.

Matched MeSH terms: Sporotrichosis
Comparison of two in vitro antifungal sensitivity tests and monitoring during therapy of Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto in Malaysian cats

Han HS, Kano R, Chen C, Noli C

Vet Dermatol, 2017 Feb;28(1):156-e32.
PMID: 28133872 DOI: 10.1111/vde.12417

BACKGROUND: Feline sporotrichosis is common in Malaysia. Thermosensitivity and effects of azole treatment on fungal susceptibility are unknown.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate thermotolerance and antifungal susceptibility of feline Malaysian Sporothrix isolates, compare microdilution (MD) and E-test results, and investigate changes in susceptibility during azole therapy.
METHODS: Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto was isolated from 44 cats. Thermotolerance was determined via culture at 37°C for 7 days. Susceptibility to itraconazole (ITZ), ketoconazole (KTZ) and terbinafine (TRB) was assessed in 40 isolates by MD; to amphotericin B (AMB), KTZ, ITZ, fluconazole (FLC) and posaconazole (POS) by E-test. Results were statistically compared by Pearson's Product Moment. In eight ketoconazole treated cats, susceptibility testing to itraconazole and ketoconazole was repeated every two months for six months.
RESULTS: Thermotolerance was observed in 36 of 44 (82%) isolates. Assuming that isolates growing at antifungal concentrations ≥4 mg/mL were resistant, all were resistant on E-test to FLC and AMB, 11 (28%) to POS, 6 (15%) to ITZ and 1 (3%) to KTZ. On MD, 27 of 40 (68%) were resistant to TRB, 2 (5%) to ITZ and 3 (8%) to KTZ. There was no correlation between E-test and MD results (KTZ r = 0.10, P = 0.54, and ITZ r = 0.11, P = 0.48). MD values for ITZ and KTZ did not exceed 4 mg/L during KTZ therapy.
CONCLUSION: The majority of feline isolates in Malaysia are thermosensitive. Lack of correlation between E-test and MD suggests that the E-test is unreliable to test antifungal susceptibility for Sporothrix spp. compared to MD. KTZ was the antifungal drug with the lowest MIC. Prolonged KTZ administration may not induce changes in antifungal susceptibility.

Matched MeSH terms: Sporotrichosis/drug therapy; Sporotrichosis/microbiology; Sporotrichosis/veterinary*
Chronic nonhealing ulcer of the right thumb with multiple subcutaneous nodules

Manohar A, Nizlan MN

Orthopedics, 2008 Jul;31(7):710.
PMID: 19292371

A 60-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of nonhealing ulcer over the tip of his right thumb. The ulcer started as a blister over the tip of the thumb that later ruptured and spread proximally to cover the whole pulp area of the thumb. There was no history of trauma, fever, weight loss, or loss of appetite. He is a pensioner and an avid gardener. He has a few cats as pets. The patient initially presented to a private orthopedic surgeon with a nonhealing ulcer of the right thumb. Multiple debridements were unsuccessful in ameliorating the ulcer. Three months after the onset of the initial lesion, multiple painless erythematous nodules had developed on his right arm, and one on the right thigh. All routine blood investigations were nondiagnostic. Swab culture from the ulcer failed to grow any organism and a course of antibiotics did not resolve the problem. Cultures of the biopsy specimen using Sabouraud's dextrose agar and potato carrot medium grew dark brown plaques that microscopically appeared to be branching hyphae. A diagnosis of sporotrichosis of the right upper limb was made and the patient was started on antifungal treatment immediately (T. Itraconazole [Sporanox] 200 mg BD). One month after commencement of antifungal treatment, the ulcer began to dry up and at 3 months all the lesions including the one on the right thigh had healed.

Matched MeSH terms: Sporotrichosis/diagnosis*; Sporotrichosis/drug therapy*
Fulltext A Diabetic Elderly Man with Finger Ulcer

Mohamad N, Badrin S, Wan Abdullah WNH

Korean J Fam Med, 2018 Mar;39(2):126-129.
PMID: 29629046 DOI: 10.4082/kjfm.2018.39.2.126

Fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis is a differential diagnosis that can be considered in diabetic patients who present with a poorly healing ulcer. Although its prevalence is low, it can occur in patients with immunocompromised status. Here we report a case of a 70-year-old man with diabetes mellitus who presented with a 1-month history of an unhealed ulcer over the tip of his left middle finger. He experienced a cat bite over his left middle finger 1 month prior to the appearance of the lesion. A skin biopsy revealed the presence of Sporothrix schenckii. Oral itraconazole 200 mg twice daily was started empirically and the patient showed marked improvement in the skin lesion after 2 months of therapy.

Matched MeSH terms: Sporotrichosis