Severe feline sporotrichosis associated with an increased population of CD8low cells and a decrease in CD4⁺ cells.
Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis with worldwide distribution, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. Zoonotic transmission is described with cats being the main animal species involved. The occurrence of severe feline sporotrichosis with high fungal levels demonstrates the susceptibility of cats to this disease and the importance of studying its pathogenesis. This study describes the leukocytes profile in blood of cats with sporotrichosis by flow cytometry and its correlation with histopathology and fungal load. The cats with sporotrichosis were separated into groups L1, L2, and L3 (lesions at one, two, and three or more noncontiguous skin locations, respectively) and were classified as good, fair, or poor general conditions. The highest percentage of CD4+ cells was associated to L1 (P = .04) and to good general condition (P = .03). The percentage of CD8+ cells was greater in L2 and L3 (P = .01). CD8(low) expression occurred in 20 animals with sporotrichosis, mainly in L3 (P = .01) and was not observed in healthy controls. This expression was related to macrophage granulomas (P = .01) and predominated in cases with high fungal load. Altogether, the results indicated that control over feline sporotrichosis, with maintenance of a good general condition, fixed lesions, well-organized response and lower fungal load, is associated with increased CD4+ cells percentages. In contrast, a poor general condition, disseminated lesions and high fungal load were related to increased CD8+ cell percentages and increased expression of CD8(low). As conclusion these results point to an important role of the CD4:CD8 balance in determining the clinical outcome in feline sporotrichosis.
Laboratory of Clinical Research on Dermatozoonosis in Domestic Animals, National Institute of Infectious Diseases Evandro Chagas (INI), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
Luisa H M
LHM
Miranda
Laboratory of Diagnostic Technology, Bio-Manguinhos, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
Marta de A
MA
Santiago
Laboratory of Clinical Research on Dermatozoonosis in Domestic Animals, National Institute of Infectious Diseases Evandro Chagas (INI), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
Tânia M P
TMP
Schubach
Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
Fernanda N
FN
Morgado
Laboratory of Clinical Research on Dermatozoonosis in Domestic Animals, National Institute of Infectious Diseases Evandro Chagas (INI), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
Sandro A
SA
Pereira
Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, INI, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
Raquel de V C de
RVC
Oliveira
Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
Fátima
F
Conceição-Silva
D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D002415:Cats; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D013174:Sporotrichosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*
CD8low; cat; flow cytometry; immune response; sporotrichosis