Rapid Molecular Diagnosis of Sporotrichosis Directly from Biological Samples from a Reference Center in Brazil.

The gold standard diagnosis of sporotrichosis is the isolation of Sporothrix sp. in culture media, but this is a time-consuming test that is susceptible to contamination and can be affected by the fungal load. Molecular methods such as nested PCR are gaining more ground in the management of several infections as they are tools for the rapid and accurate identification of microorganisms from pure cultures or directly from biological samples. This study aimed to apply a nested PCR molecular protocol for the rapid detection of Sporothrix spp. directly from clinical samples. Thirteen samples-six from skin biopsies, five from skin exudates, and two from conjunctival secretions-were obtained from patients diagnosed with sporotrichosis due to S. brasiliensis. Calmodulin gene sequencing identified all the isolates as S. brasiliensis. Nested PCR was able to detect all the Sporothrix sensu lato directly from clinical samples as well as the CBS 120339 reference strain. The nested PCR protocol stands out as a diagnostic alternative, as it allows the identification of Sporothrix spp. directly from clinical samples without the need for fungal isolation.

Human sporotrichosis: recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Dermatology for the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic management

Abstract Background: The increase in the zoonotic epidemic of sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis, which started in the late 1990s in Rio de Janeiro and is now found in almost all Brazilian states, has been equally advancing in neighboring countries of Brazil. Changes in the clinical-epidemiological profile, advances in the laboratory diagnosis of the disease, and therapeutic difficulties have been observed throughout these almost 25 years of the epidemic, although there is no national consensus. The last international guideline dates from 2007. Objectives: Update the clinical classification, diagnostic methods and recommendations on the therapeutic management of patients with sporotrichosis. Methods: Twelve experts in human sporotrichosis were selected from different Brazilian regions, and divided into three work groups: clinical, diagnosis and treatment. The bibliographic research was carried out on the EBSCOHost platform. Meetings took place via electronic mail and remote/face-to-face and hybrid settings, resulting in a questionnaire which pointed out 13 divergences, resolved based on the opinion of the majority of the participants. Results: The clinical classification and laboratory diagnosis were updated. Therapeutic recommendations were made for the different clinical forms. Conclusions: Publication of the first national recommendation, carried out by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, aimed at the Brazilian scientific community, especially dermatologists, infectologists, pediatricians, family medicine personnel, and laboratory professionals who work in the management of human sporotrichosis.

Human sporotrichosis: recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Dermatology for the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic management.

BACKGROUND: The increase in the zoonotic epidemic of sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis, which started in the late 1990s in Rio de Janeiro and is now found in almost all Brazilian states, has been equally advancing in neighboring countries of Brazil. Changes in the clinical-epidemiological profile, advances in the laboratory diagnosis of the disease, and therapeutic difficulties have been observed throughout these almost 25 years of the epidemic, although there is no national consensus. The last international guideline dates from 2007. OBJECTIVES: Update the clinical classification, diagnostic methods and recommendations on the therapeutic management of patients with sporotrichosis. METHODS: Twelve experts in human sporotrichosis were selected from different Brazilian regions, and divided into three work groups: clinical, diagnosis and treatment. The bibliographic research was carried out on the EBSCOHost platform. Meetings took place via electronic mail and remote/face-to-face and hybrid settings, resulting in a questionnaire which pointed out 13 divergences, resolved based on the opinion of the majority of the participants. RESULTS: The clinical classification and laboratory diagnosis were updated. Therapeutic recommendations were made for the different clinical forms. CONCLUSION: Publication of the first national recommendation, carried out by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, aimed at the Brazilian scientific community, especially dermatologists, infectologists, pediatricians, family medicine personnel, and laboratory professionals who work in the management of human sporotrichosis.

Exuberant bullous vasculitis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

We described a case of exuberant cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis in a 27-year-old male with mild CoVID-19 in Brazil. The patient presented painful purpuric papules and vesicobullous lesions with hemorrhagic content located in the larger amount in the lower limbs and, to a lesser extent in the region of the back and upper limbs, saving palms and soles of the feet. Influenza-like syndrome with anosmia and ageusia was reported seven days before the skin lesions. A real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was positive on a nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2. Histopathological study showed leukocytoclastic cutaneous vasculitis affecting small vessels and microthrombi occluding some vessels. The patient presented an improvement in skin lesions by the fifth day of prednisone therapy. This case highlights the importance of the SARS-CoV-2 test in investigating the etiology of cutaneous vasculitis during this pandemic.

Case Report: Sweet Syndrome in Patients with Sporotrichosis: A 10-Case Series.

Human sporotrichosis is an emerging disease caused by fungi of the genus Sporothrix, distributed worldwide, but mostly in tropical and subtropical regions. This disease is caused by traumatic inoculation of contaminated material (either animal or vegetal in origin) into the skin. Sporotrichosis cases caused by zoonotic transmission through felines have significantly increased over the last 20 years in Brazil. There is a spectrum of clinical outcomes, from classical lymphocutaneous and fixed forms to disseminated manifestations and extracutaneous lesions; however, hypersensitivity reactions related to sporotrichosis, including Sweet syndrome (acute febrile neutrophilic dermatoses), are uncommon. In Brazil, Sporothrix brasiliensis is repeatedly associated with feline infection and has consistently shown higher virulence, tendency to escalate to outbreaks or epidemics, and development of atypical forms. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to report the cases of 10 patients with sporotrichosis infected by S. brasiliensis species who developed Sweet syndrome to alert this association, especially in endemic areas.

Cutaneous tuberculosis: diagnosis, histopathology and treatment - part II.

The evolution in the knowledge of tuberculosis' physiopathology allowed not only a better understanding of the immunological factors involved in the disease process, but also the development of new laboratory tests, as well as the establishment of a histological classification that reflects the host's ability to contain the infectious agent. At the same time, the increasing bacilli resistance led to alterations in the basic tuberculosis treatment scheme in 2009. This article critically examines laboratory and histological investigations, treatment regimens for tuberculosis and possible adverse reactions to the most frequently used drugs.

Cutaneous tuberculosis: diagnosis, histopathology and treatment - Part II

The evolution in the knowledge of tuberculosis' physiopathology allowed not only a better understanding of the immunological factors involved in the disease process, but also the development of new laboratory tests, as well as the establishment of a histological classification that reflects the host's ability to contain the infectious agent. At the same time, the increasing bacilli resistance led to alterations in the basic tuberculosis treatment scheme in 2009. This article critically examines laboratory and histological investigations, treatment regimens for tuberculosis and possible adverse reactions to the most frequently used drugs.

Cutaneous tuberculosis: epidemiologic, etiopathogenic and clinical aspects - part I.

Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) is the result of a chronic infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. ovis and occasionally by the Calmette-Guerin bacillus. The clinical manifestations are variable and depend on the interaction of several factors including the site of infection and the host's immunity. This article revises the current knowledge about this disease's physiopathology and immunology as well as detailing the possible clinical presentations.

Cutaneous tuberculosis: epidemiologic, etiopathogenic and clinical aspects - Part I

Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) is the result of a chronic infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. ovis and occasionally by the Calmette-Guerin bacillus. The clinical manifestations are variable and depend on the interaction of several factors including the site of infection and the host's immunity. This article revises the current knowledge about this disease's physiopathology and immunology as well as detailing the possible clinical presentations.