Esporotricose felina: um relato de caso de disseminação cutânea e sistêmica em gato negativo para FIV e FeLV / Feline sporotrichosis: a case report of cutaneous and systemic dissemination in cat negative for FIV and FeLV

A esporotricose é uma zoonose causada por fungos do gênero Sporothrix. Os gatos doentes têm importante potencial zoonótico e frequentemente revelam uma apresentação disseminada da doença. O objetivo deste relato de caso é descrever as características clínicas e anatomopatológicas de um caso de esporotricose felina refratária ao tratamento com apresentação clínica cutânea disseminada e sistêmica. Um felino macho de 3 anos de idade foi tratado para esporotricose com itraconazol e obteve resolução completa das lesões cutâneas. Porém, um ano após alta clínica, o animal apresentou aumento e ulceração da região nasal. Após cultura fúngica positiva para Sporothrix spp foi instituído tratamento com itraconazol 100mg associado ao iodeto de potássio 20mg por via oral diariamente e transcorrido 3 meses de tratamento, foi observada piora progressiva do sinais clínicos com disseminação de lesões para outras regiões do corpo. O animal foi submetido à eutanásia e encaminhado para necrópsia no Serviço de Anatomia Patológica da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal Fluminense. Amostras da língua, pulmão, fígado, baço, rim, cérebro, linfonodo e pele foram coletadas para evidência de disseminação do agente fúngico e avaliação de alterações microscópicas. A coloração de metenamina de prata de Grocott foi utilizada para facilitar a visualização de leveduras sugestivas de Sporothrix spp nos cortes histológicos. Leveduras foram visualizadas em amostras de pele, língua, linfonodo, rim, fígado, baço e cérebro. No presente relato a disseminação do Sporothrixspp para diversos órgãos sinaliza a necessidade de uma minuciosa investigação dos casos graves de esporotricose felina para o tratamento adequado.

Sporotrichosis is a zoonosis caused by fungi of the genus Sporothrix. Sick cats have an significant zoonotic potential and often show a widespread presentation of the disease. The purpose of this case report is to describe the clinical and anatomopathological characteristics of a case of feline sporotrichosis refractory to treatment with disseminated and systemic cutaneous clinical presentation. A 3-year-old male feline was treated for sporotrichosis with itraconazole and achieved complete resolution of the skin lesions. However, one year after clinical discharge, the animal presented an increase and ulceration of the nasal region. After a positive fungal culture for Sporothrix spp, treatment with itraconazole 100mg associated with potassium iodide 20mg was instituted orally daily and after 3 months of treatment, a progressive worsening of the symptoms was observed with the spread of lesions to other regions of the body. The animal was euthanized and sent for necropsy at the Pathological Anatomy Service of the Veterinary Faculty of Universidade Federal Fluminense. Samples of the tongue, lung, liver, spleen, kidney, brain, lymph node, and skin were collected for evidence of spread of the fungal agent and evaluation of microscopic changes. Grocott silver methenamine staining was used to facilitate the visualization of yeasts suggestive of Sporothrix spp in histological sections. Yeasts were visualized in samples of skin, tongue, lymph node, kidney, liver, spleen, and brain. In the present report, the spread of Sporothrix spp to different organs signals the need for a thorough investigation of severe cases of feline sporotrichosis for the proper treatment.

A case of sporotrichosis caused by different Sporothrix brasiliensis strains: mycological, molecular, and virulence analyses

BACKGROUND Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by dimorphic pathogenic fungi belonging to the Sporothrix genus. Pathogenic Sporothrix species typically produce melanin, which is known to be a virulence factor. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to perform phenotypic, genotypic, and virulence analyses of two distinct Sporothrix brasiliensis strains isolated from the same lesion on a patient from Rio de Janeiro. METHODS AND FINDINGS Genotypic analyses by partial sequencing of the calmodulin, β-tubulin, and chitin synthase genes, as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-fingerprinting by T3B, M13, and GACA, showed that the isolates were very similar but not identical. Both isolates had similar phenotypic characteristics and effectively produced melanin in their yeast forms, accounting for their ability of causing disease in a murine sporotrichosis model. Remarkably, isolate B was albino in its environmental form but caused more severe disease than the pigmented A isolate. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that the patient was infected by two genetically and biologically distinct S. brasiliensis that vary in their production of melanin in their environmental forms. The results underscore the importance of characterizing phenotypically different isolates found in the same clinical specimen or patient.

Sporothrix brasiliensis induces a more severe disease associated with sustained Th17 and regulatory T cells responses than Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto in mice.

Little is known about the differences in the CD4+ T-cell response induced by Sporothrix schenckii and Sporothrix brasiliensis, the most virulent species that cause sporotrichosis. Here, the helper (Th) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) responses were evaluated comparatively in a murine model of sporotrichosis on days 7, 21 and 35 after subcutaneous infection with either S. schenckii or S. brasiliensis conidia. The fungal load was measured at the site of infection, as well as in the liver and spleen. The Th1/Th17/Tregs responses were analyzed in the spleen, while the level of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IFN-É£, IL-17A and IL-10 cytokines were measured at the local site of infection on 24 h postinfections and in sera on the indicated days. S. brasiliensis caused a longer-lasting infection in the skin and chronic systemic dissemination associated to more severe granulomatous lesions. Similar Th1/Th1-Th17/Tregs responses were induced by both S. brasiliensis and S. schenckii on 7th and 21st d.p.i but on 35 d.p.i a reduction of Th1 and Th1-Th17 cells, associated to higher values of Th17/Tregs cells was observed only in S. brasiliensis-infected mice. In summary, S. brasiliensis caused a more severe disease associated with sustained Th17/Tregs responses than S. schenckii in mice.

Dectin-1 expression by macrophages and related antifungal mechanisms in a murine model of Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto systemic infection.

The available information about the role of Dectin-1 in sporotrichosis is scarce. Hence, we aimed to assess Dectin-1 expression by macrophages and the activation of some related antifungal mechanisms during the Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto infection as a first attempt to elucidate the role of this receptor in sporotrichosis. Balb/c mice were intraperitoneally infected with S. schenckii sensu stricto yeast ATCC 16345 and euthanized on days 5, 10 and 15 post-infection, when the following parameters were evaluated: fungal burden in spleen, Dectin-1 expression and nitric oxide (NO) production by peritoneal macrophages, as well as IL-1ß, TNF-α and IL-10 ex vivo secretion by these same cells. Peritoneal macrophages were ex vivo challenged with either the alkali-insoluble fraction (F1) extracted from the S. schenckii cell wall, a commercially available purified ß-1,3-glucan or whole heat-killed S. schenckii yeasts (HKss). Additionally, a Dectin-1 antibody-mediated blockade assay was performed on day 10 post-infection to assess the participation of this receptor in cytokine secretion. Our results showed that Dectin-1 expression by peritoneal macrophages was augmented on days 10 and 15 post-infection alongside elevated NO production and ex vivo secretion of IL-10, TNF-α and IL-1ß. The antibody-mediated blockade of Dectin-1 inhibited cytokine production in both infected and non-infected mice, mainly after ß-1,3-glucan stimulation. Our results suggest a role for Dectin-1 in triggering the immune response during S. schenckii infection.

Sporotrichal Tenosynovitis Diagnosed Helpfully by Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography.

A 72-year-old man presented with persistent oligoarthritis and positive results for rheumatoid factor and was suspected of having rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) findings were not consistent with those of typical RA. He had undergone surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, which allowed both histopathological and microbiological examinations to be performed. A synovial tissue culture was positive for Sporothrix schenckii, and he was diagnosed with sporotrichal tenosynovitis. He received anti-fungal therapy, and the sporotrichal tenosynovitis resolved. This case suggests that MSUS is a useful modality, and sporotrichal tenosynovitis, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of RA.

Oxidative stress in rats experimentally infected by Sporothrix schenckii.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether oxidative stress occurs in rats experimentally infected by Sporothrix schenckii, and its possible effect on disease pathogenesis. Thirty rats were divided into two groups: the group A (uninfected, n = 18) and the group B (infected by S. schenckii, n=21). Blood samples were collected on days 15, 30 and 40 post-infection (PI). At each sampling time, six rats of the group A, and seven of the group B were bled. TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) levels in serum samples were measured to evaluate lipid peroxidation. In addition, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, known as biomarkers of antioxidants levels, were verified in whole blood. Seric pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were measured (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6), which showed that these inflammatory mediators were at higher levels in the infected rats (P < 0.001). In comparison to uninfected animals, rats with sporotrichosis showed significantly higher (p < 0.01) levels of TBARS on day 40 PI; CAT activity was significantly increased (p < 0.01) on days 30 and 40 PI; and SOD activity was increased (p < 0.01) on day 40 PI. Infected rats showed larger testicles and granulomas in the testicular capsule, as well as hepatic granulomas and splenic follicular hyperplasia. All tissues (testicle, spleen, and liver) showed inflammation associated with numerous fungal structures. These results demonstrated that the intense inflammatory response (seric and tissue) in sporotrichosis is a likely mechanism for redox imbalance, and consequently cause the oxidative stress in experimentally infected rats.

Antifungal curcumin promotes chitin accumulation associated with decreased virulence of Sporothrix schenckii.

Curcumin, a yellow polyphenol compound, is known to possess antifungal activity for a range of pathogenic fungi. However, the fungicidal mechanism of curcumin (CUR) has not been identified. We have occasionally found that chitin redistributes to the cell wall outer layer of Sporothrix schenckii (S. schenckii) upon sublethal CUR treatment. Whether CUR can affect chitin synthesis via the protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathway has not been investigated. This study describes a direct fungicidal activity of CUR against S. schenckii demonstrated by the results of a checkerboard microdilution assay and, for the first time, a synergistic effect of CUR with terbinafine (TRB). Furthermore, the results of real-time PCR showed that sublethal CUR upregulated the transcription of PKC, chitin synthase1 (CHS1), and chitin synthase3 (CHS3) in S. schenckii. The fluorescence staining results using wheat germ agglutinin-fluorescein isothiocyanate (WGA-FITC) and calcofluor white (CFW) consistently showed that chitin exposure and total chitin content were increased on the conidial cell wall of S. schenckii by sublethal CUR treatment. A histopathological analysis of mice infected with CUR-treated conidia showed dampened inflammation in the local lesion and a reduced fungal burden. The ELISA results showed proinflammatory cytokine secretion at an early stage from macrophages stimulated by the CUR-treated conidia. The present data led to the conclusion that CUR is a potential antifungal agent and that its fungicidal mechanism may involve chitin accumulation on the cell wall of S. schenckii, which is associated with decreased virulence in infected mice.

Mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells can phagocytize the Sporothrix schenckii, and mature and activate the immune response by secreting interleukin-12 and presenting antigens to T lymphocytes.

In sporotrichosis, dermal dendritic cells were considered to participate in induction of the immune responses against Sporothrix schenckii infection. However, it is still unclear whether and how dermal dendritic cells were involved in the progress. To clarify the pathogenic role of dermal dendritic cells (DC) in sporotrichosis, we examined the phagocytosis, maturation stages, cytokine production and antigen-presenting ability of mouse bone marrow-derived DC after stimulation with S. schenckii. By analysis of flow cytometry, electron microscope and confocal microscope, mouse bone marrow-derived DC were proved to be able to phagocytize the S. schenckii. The increased expression of CD40, CD80 and CD86 on the surface of S. schenckii-pulsed mouse bone marrow-derived DC was detected by flow cytometer, indicating that the S. schenckii-pulsed mouse bone marrow-derived DC underwent the maturation program. The secretory enhancement of interleukin (IL)-12, but not IL-4, was found in S. schenckii-pulsed mouse bone marrow-derived DC, suggesting the possible activation of T-helper 1 prone immune responses. Furthermore, S. schenckii-pulsed mouse bone marrow-derived DC were demonstrated to be capable of inducing the proliferation of T lymphocytes from BALB/c mice that were pre-sensitized with S. schenckii. Together, all the results implied that dermal DC may participate in the induction of immune responses against S. schenckii infection in sporotrichosis.

Aislamiento de Sporothrix pallida y Trichophyton rubrum en onicomicosis de mano / Isolation of Sporothrix pallida and Trichophyton rubrum in hand onychomycosis

Se presenta un caso de onicomicosis de mano, de la cual se aisló en repetidas ocasiones Sporothrix pallida y Trichophyton rubrum. Se discute sobre los principales agentes de onicomicosis, el rol de los hon- gos ambientales y del aislamiento de S.pallida en este y en otro tipo de muestras.

It reports a case of hand onychomycosis, which was isolated repeatedly Sporothrix pallida and Trichophyton rubrum. We discuss the main agents of onychomycosis, the role of the environmental fungi and S.pallida isolation in this and other samples.

Immune response against Sporothrix schenckii in TLR-4-deficient mice.

For many fungal diseases, macrophages are the major cell population implicated in host protection, primarily by their ability to eliminate the invading fungal pathogen through phagocytosis. In sporotrichosis, this remains true, because of macrophages' ability to recognize Sporothrix schenckii through specific receptors for some of the fungus' cellular surface constituents. Further confirmation for macrophages' pivotal role in fungal diseases came with the identification of toll-like receptors, and the subsequent numerous associations found between TLR-4 deficiency and host susceptibility to diverse fungal pathogens. Involvement of TLR-4 in immune response against sporotrichosis has been conducted to investigate how TLR-4 signaling could affect inflammatory response development through evaluation of H2O2 production and IL-1ß, IL-6 and TGF-ß release during the course of S. schenckii infection on TLR-4-deficient mice. The results showed that macrophages are largely dependent on TLR-4 for inflammatory activation and that in the absence of TLR-4 signaling, increased TGF-ß release may be one of the contributing factors for the abrogated inflammatory activation of peritoneal exudate cells during mice sporotrichosis.

Adenosine deaminase activity in serum and lymphocytes of rats infected with Sporothrix schenckii.

Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection of subcutaneous or chronic evolution, inflammatory lesions characterized by their pyogranulomatous aspect, caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is a "key" enzyme in the purine metabolism, promoting the deamination of adenosine, an important anti-inflammatory molecule. The increase in ADA activity has been demonstrated in several inflammatory conditions; however, there are no data in the literature associated with this fungal infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity of serum ADA (S-ADA) and lymphocytes (L-ADA) of rats infected with S. schenckii. We used seventy-eight rats divided into two groups. In the first experiment, rats were infected subcutaneously and in the second experiment, infected intraperitoneally. Blood samples for hematologic evaluation and activities of S-ADA and L-ADA were performed at days 15, 30, and 40 post-infection (PI) to assess disease progression. In the second experiment, it was observed an acute decrease in activity of S-ADA and L-ADA (P < 0.05), suggesting a compensatory mechanism in an attempt to protect the host from excessive tissue damage. With chronicity of disease the rats in the first and second experiment at 30 days PI showed an increased activity of L-ADA (P < 0.05), promoting an inflammatory response in an attempt to combat the spread of the agent. Thus, it is suggested that infection with S. schenckii alters the activities of S-ADA in experimentally infected rats, demonstrating the involvement of this enzyme in the pathogenesis of sporotrichosis.

[Technical evaluation of nested PCR for the diagnosis of experimental sporotrichosis]. / Evaluación de la técnica PCR anidada para el diagnóstico de la esporotricosis experimental.

BACKGROUND: Sporotrichosis caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii can presents in a variety of clinical forms. Routine diagnosis is made by mycology and serology studies. Few investigations have been focused on the evaluation of the molecular diagnosis. AIM: To determine the value of the nested PCR technique for the diagnosis of experimental sporotrichosis in organs of mice, and to compare the results with the established laboratory diagnostic procedures. METHODS: BALB/c mice were inoculated with growing concentrations of the 2 morphological phases of the fungus. The infected animals were sacrificed one month later and specimens from liver, spleen, lung and testicle were obtained to perform wet mount, culture and molecular diagnosis by the nested PCR technique. Blood samples were obtained for determination of specific antibodies against S. schenckii by the double immunodiffusion procedure. RESULTS: The pathogenicity observed with the different concentrations of the fungus inoculated and its isolation by culture, showed scarce differences in the study of specimens from organs infected with the 2 morphological phases of S. schenckii. Specimens from organs of mice inoculated with the mycelial phase when studied by wet mount and culture, showed a higher positivity (100 and 37.5%) than those from mice inoculated with the yeast phase (73 and 2%). However, diagnosis by the nested PCR molecular technique applied to the latter specimens showed a higher percentage of positivity (75%) and 43% of positive results coming from animals infected with the mycelial phase. Specific antibody detection was positive in 100% all groups of infected mice. CONCLUSIONS: In the study of experimental sporotrichosis in mice, the culture, as well as the antibody detection, was an effective diagnostic procedure, while the nested PCR and microscopic studies had a lower diagnostic value.

A case series and review of sporotrichosis in Sikkim.

Sporotrichosis caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii has been widely reported from the northern Himalayan belt and the north eastern region of India. Three autochthonous cases of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis from east and south districts of Sikkim are reported. Fluid aspirate from the nodulo-ulcerative lesions were sent for cytology and fungal culture. S. schenckii was isolated on culture and cytological examination in all three cases showed granulomatous reaction. Thermal dimorphism was demonstrated and animal pathogenicity testing was performed. Saturated solution of potassium iodide was used for treatment and the last case was treated with itraconazole and potassium iodide. Awareness of this disease and an extensive environmental study is required to understand the actual burden of this disease.

Esporotricose / Sporotrichosis

A esporotricose constitui-se em dermatopatia ergodermatósica, de características antropo ou saprozoonótica que temcomo principais fontes de infecção os felinos domésticos, vegetais e o solo. Tem ela como epônimos as denominaçõesde Enfermidade de Schenk, “maladie de vacance”, Enfermidade dos: veterinários, jardineiros e floristas. Detectam-se,vez por outra, surtos epidêmicos e epizoóticos, tal como o evidenciado, no final do Século XX, em felinos, caninos ehumanos, no sudeste brasileiro. Revisam-se aspectos de ocorrência, etiopatogenia, clínicos, de diagnose, prognose eterapia de pacientes animais (caninos, felinos e equinos)

Sporotrichosis is an ergodermatosic dermatopathy of anthropozoonotic or saprozoonotic characteristics, whose mainsources of infection are domestic cats, plants and soil. It is also known as “Schenk’s illness”, “maladie de vacances”, “Illnessof veterinarians, gardeners and florists”. Epidemic and epizootic outbreaks are occasionally evidenced, as that occurredin the late twentieth century in cats, dogs and humans in southeastern Brazil. Aspects of occurrence, etiopathogenesis,clinical signs, diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of dogs, cats and horses with sporotrichosis are reviewed

Gamma radiation effects on Sporothrix schenckii yeast cells.

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by Sporothrix schenckii. Zoonotic transmission to man can occur after scratches or bites of animals, mainly cats. In this study, the gamma radiation effects on yeast of S. schenckii were analyzed with a view of developing a radioattenuated vaccine for veterinary use. The cultures were irradiated at doses ranging from 1.0 to 9.0 kGy. The reproductive capacity was measured by the ability of cells to form colonies. No colonies could be recovered above 8.0 kGy, using inocula up to 10(7) cells. Nevertheless, yeast cells irradiated with 7.0 kGy already were unable to produce infection in immunosuppressed mice. Evaluation by the FungaLight™ Kit (Invitrogen) indicated that yeast cells remained viable up to 9.0 kGy. At 7.0 kGy, protein synthesis, estimated by the incorporation of [L-(35)S] methionine, continues at levels slightly lower than the controls, but a significant decrease was observed at 9.0 kGy. The DNA of 7.0 kGy irradiated cells, analyzed by electrophoresis in agarose gel, was degraded. Cytoplasmic vacuolation was the main change verified in these cells by transmission electron microscopy. The dose of 7.0 kGy was considered satisfactory for yeast attenuation since irradiated cells were unable to produce infection but retained viability, metabolic activity, and morphology.

Estudo da virulência, adesão e características fenotípicas de isolados do complexo Sporothrix / Study of virulence, adhesion and phenotypic characteristics of isolates of Sporothrix complex

A esporotricose é uma doença micótica, infecciosa e crônica, que envolve o tecido cutâneo e subcutâneo, e que pode afetar seres humanos e animais. Esta micose sempre foi atribuída a um único patógeno, o Sporothrix schenckii, um fundo termodimórfico, que cresce como levedura a 37 oC e como micélio à temperatura ambiente. No entanto, nos últimos anos, foi demonstrado que isolados identificados como S. schenckii apresentavam grande variabilidade genética, sugerindo que esta táxon consiste em um complexo de espécies. Esta doença é causada pela implantação traumática do patógeno fúngico, porém os mecanismos de invasão e disseminação deste microorganismo, bem como as moléculas envolvidas nestes processos, ainda são pouco conhecidos. Com base nessas informações, este trabalho visa identificar moléculas de superfície deste patógeno envolvidas na interação deste fungo com proteínas matriciais, bem como analisar diferenças fenotípicas entre espécies do denominado complexo Sporothrix. Foram utilizados, neste estudo, cinco isolados de Sporothrix spp., sendo três isolados clínicos, um isolado ambiental e um isolado de gato. A virulência de cada isolado foi comparada à capacidade adesiva à proteína matricial fibronectina. Foi observado que os isolados com amior capacidade infectiva eram os que apresentavam maior capacidade adesiva à fibronectina. Verificamos então a expressão de adesinas para fibronectina na superfície de cada isolado, por Western blot, e observamos que os isolados mais virulentos e com maior capacidade adesiva expressavam mais adesinas para fibronectina. Bandas reativas com o anticorpo monoclonal contra adesina gp70 (mAb P6E7) foram reveladas nos extratos de parede celular dos isolados estudados. Análises por microscopia confocal revelaram a colocalização da gp70 com a adesina para fibronectina na superfície dos isolados. Análises filogenéticas demonstraram que os isolados estudados possuíam diferenças genotípicas capazes de agrupá-los em duas espécies...

Sporotrichosis is a chronic and infectious diseases that involves the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue, which can affect humans and animals. This mycosis has always been attributed to a single pathogen, the Sporothrix schenckii, a dimorphic fungus, that grows as yeast at 37 oC and as mycelia at room temperature. However, in recent years, some isolates identifies as S. schenckii showed considerable genetic variability, sugesting that this taxon consists of a complex of species. This disease is caused by the traumatic inoculation of the fungal pathogen, however, the molecules involved in the invasion and dissemination of this microorganism are still poorly understood. The aim of this study is to identify surface molecules involved in the interaction of this fungus with extracellular matrix proteins and to examine phenotypic differences between species in the Sporothrix complex. Five isolates were used throughout this study, three clinical isolates, an environmental and one cat isolate. The virulence of each isolate was compared to the adhesive capacity to fibronectin. We observed that the most virulent isolates exhibited the higher capacity to interact with fibronectin. The expression of adhesins for fibronectin on the surface of each isolate was verified by Western blot. This analysis showed that the most virulent isolates expressed more fibronectin adhesins than the avirulent ones. Positive bands for the monoclonal antibody raised against gp70 adhesin (mAb P6E7) were revealed in cell wall extracts of the isolates studied. Confocal microscopy confirmed the colocalization of fibronectin and mAb P6E7 on the yeast cell surface. Molecular analysis showed genotypic differences between isolates used in this study, that can cluster than them into two species, S. schenckii and S. brasiliensis. This phylogenetic analysis revealed that the avirulent isolate was S. brasiliensis and not S. schenckii as previously thought. This new data led us o determine whether...

Role of melanin in the pathogenesis of cutaneous sporotrichosis.

In this study, we evaluate the clinical, histopathological and ultra structural aspects of the infection by field strain (MEL(+)) and mutated strain (MEL(-)) of Sporothrix schenckii. The development of sporotrichosis at the inoculation sites was similar for both groups of animals after the second week of the experimental period. Statistical differences appeared only at weeks 3 and 5. The pigmented isolate had greater tissue invasive capacity, promoting the formation of multifocal granulomas, whereas the albino isolate induced an enhanced inflammatory response, restraining the agent to the core of the granulomas.

Esporotricose humana: conhecendo e cuidando em enfermagem / Esporotricosis humanos: conocer y cuidar en enfermería / Human sporotrichosis: knowing and caring in nursing

A esporotricose é uma micose cutânea ou subcutânea, de evolução subaguda ou crônica, causada pelo fungo dimórfico Sporothrix schenckii que vive no solo em associação com restos vegetais, que acomete o homem e várias espécies de animais. Este estudo teve como objetivos analisar na produção bibliográfica o conhecimento sobre a infecção causada pelo fungo Sporothrix schenkii, a esporotricose humana, e apresentar suas contribuições para o cuidado em enfermagem. Foi realizada pesquisa bibliográfica e eletrônica, através de consulta a Bancos de Dados Virtuais (SciELO, LILACS, BDENF). Foram analisadas 12 publicações do período de 1999 a 2007. O conhecimento da esporotricose humana, nos seus aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos, laboratoriais e terapêuticos, permite ao enfermeiro estabelecer o cuidado de enfermagem aos indivíduos acometidos pela doença e orientar aos portadores de animais contaminados quanto aos procedimentos a serem observados.

Sporotrichosis is a cutaneous or subcutaneous mycosis with chronic or subacute evolution. It is caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii, found in soil in combination with crop residues and affects both man and several species of animals. This study aimed at examining the knowledge found in bibliographic production on the infection caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenkii, human sporotrichosis as well as at contributing to nursing care. Bibliographic research was conducted through Virtual Database (SciELO, LILACS, BDENF). Twelve publications from 1999 to 2007 were analyzed. Knowledge of human sporotrichosis in their clinical, epidemiological, laboratory, and treatment aspects allows the nurse to provide nursing care to individuals affected by the disease and to guide people with contaminated animals on the procedures to be observed.

La Esporotricosis es una micosis cutánea o subcutánea, de evolución subaguda o crónica, causada por el hongo dimorfo Sporothrix schenckii que vive en la tierra en combinación con residuos vegetales, que afecta, el hombre y varias especies de animales. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo examinar la producción bibliográfica de conocimientos sobre la infección causada por el hongo Sporothrix schenkii, la esporotricosis humana y presentar aportes para el cuidado de enfermería. Fue hecha pesquisa bibliográfica y eletrónica, a través de consulta a Bancos de Datos Virtuales (SciELO, LILACS, BDENF). Se analizaron 12 publicaciones en el período comprendido entre 1999 y 2007. El conocimiento de la esporotricosis en sus aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos, de laboratorio y terapéuticos, permite al enfermero proporcionar cuidado de enfermería a las personas afectadas por la enfermedad y orientar a los portadores de animales contaminados cuanto a los procedimientos que deberán ser observados.