Evaluation of an epidemic of sporotrichosis in cats: 347 cases (1998-2001).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate characteristics of a large epidemic of sporotrichosis in cats.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
347 cats with naturally acquired infection with Sporothrix schenckii.


METHODS
Medical records were reviewed for data regarding clinical, mycologic, histopathologic, and routine hematologic and serum biochemical findings; assays for FIV-specific antibodies and FeLV antigen; antifungal treatment; and follow-up.


RESULTS
Lesions varied from small papules to extensive zones of necrosis. Ten cats had no skin lesions, 114 had skin lesions at a single site, 86 had skin lesions in 2 sites, and 137 had skin lesions in 3 or more sites. Respiratory tract signs were observed in 154 cats and were the most frequent extracutaneous sign. Anemia, leukocytosis with neutrophilia, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperglobulinemia were the main blood abnormalities. Antibodies against FIV were detected in 28 cats, FeLV antigen was detected in 2 cats, and both were detected in 1 cat among 142 cats tested. During the study, 118 cats were lost to follow-up and 124 died. Of 266 cats that were treated, 68 were cured. Complete healing of the lesions was observed regardless of the presence of extracutaneous signs, general condition, treatment schedule, or coinfection with FIV.


CONCLUSIONS
Feline sporotrichosis was evident in subclinical to severe forms; however, cats can respond well to regular and prolonged antifungal treatment.
Schubach
Tânia M P
TM
Serviço de Zoonoses, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, 21045-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
Schubach
Armando
A
Okamoto
Thais
T
Barros
Mônica B L
MB
Figueiredo
Fabiano Borges
FB
Cuzzi
Tullia
T
Fialho-Monteiro
Paulo C
PC
Reis
Rosani S
RS
Perez
Mauricio A
MA
Wanke
Bodo
B
D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D002415:Cats; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013175:Sporothrix / Q000187:drug effects / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D013174:Sporotrichosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000935:Antifungal Agents