In vitro susceptibility of Sporothrix spp. to complexes coordinated with Co(II) and cobalt chloride hexahydrate

Abstract Sporothrix spp. are the major dimorphic fungus associated with a type of subcutaneous mycosis, sporotrichosis. The limitation of antifungal availability and the past reports of in vitro resistance of Sporothrix spp. clinical isolates makes it important to search for new compounds with antifungal activities. In this study, we therefore evaluate the in vitro activities of complexes coordinated with Co(II) and cobalt chloride hexahydrate against clinical isolates of Sporothrix spp. Broth microdilution test was performed as per M38-A2 from CLSI (2008) in duplicate for 31 clinical isolates of Sporothrix spp. (27 S. brasiliensis e 04 S. schenckii stricto sensu). The antifungal activities of the complexes coordinated with Co(II) and cobalt chloride hexahydrate were detected at a concentration range of 32-128 µg/mL for all isolates. None of the compounds demonstrated any cytotoxicity (to macrophage cells) at the concentration of 200 µg/mL. The activity against Sporothrix spp. recorded in this study instigate the continuity of experimental studies with Co(II) to search for the mechanisms of antifungal action as well as to evaluate its interaction with the commercial antifungal drugs.

Clinical and epidemiological aspects of feline sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis and in vitro antifungal susceptibility.

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis resulting from the traumatic implantation of pathogenic Sporothrix species. In Brazil, zoonotic transmission plays an important role in the epidemiology of the disease, involving especially cats. The objective of this study was to isolate Sporothrix spp. from cats with signs of sporotrichosis, determining the causative species, clinical and epidemiological aspects, and the in vitro susceptibility profile of the isolates against antifungal drugs. From September 2017 to February 2019, 245 samples of lesions were collected from symptomatic cats in São José do Rio Preto, Brazil. Identification of the isolates was performed by morphophysiological parameters and species-specific polymerase chain reaction. The susceptibility profile of the isolates was determined for five drugs (amphotericin B, itraconazole, ketoconazole, potassium iodide and terbinafine), using the broth microdilution method. Clinical and epidemiological aspects were analyzed based on data contained on investigation forms filled by the veterinarians at moment of collection. Sporothrix spp. were isolated in 189 (77.2%) of the samples. Phenotypic and molecular analyses revealed S. brasiliensis as the only causative agent. In vitro susceptibility testing showed lower MIC values for terbinafine (MIC = 0.03-2 µg/ml), ketoconazole (MIC = 0.03-2 µg/ml), and itraconazole (MIC = 0.03-4 µg/ml). Most of the animals were male (73.5%), adults (96.3%), stray (53.5%), and uncastrated (69.8%). Our results show the expansion of the S. brasiliensis epidemic to an area nearly 840 km apart from the epicenter of the long-lasting outbreak of cat-transmitted sporotrichosis in Rio de Janeiro.

Canine sporotrichosis: polyphasic taxonomy and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Sporothrix species in an endemic area in Brazil.

Sporotrichosis, a mycosis caused by pathogenic species of the genus Sporothrix, affects diverse species of mammals. Until 2007, Sporothrix schenckii was considered the unique etiologic agent of sporotrichosis. Canine sporotrichosis is a poorly reported disease, and the majority of cases are from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There are scarce studies on the characterization of canine isolates of Sporothrix schenckii complex, as well as few antifungal susceptibility data available. The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical isolates of Sporothrix from dogs from Brazil at species level and evaluate their antifungal susceptibility profile. Polyphasic taxonomy was used to characterization at species level (morphological, phenotypical characteristics, and molecular identification). Antifungal susceptibility profiles (amphotericin B, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and terbinafine) were determined using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute broth microdilution method (M38-A2). According to phenotypic identification and molecular analysis, 46 isolates included in this study were identified as S. brasiliensis and one as S. schenckii. Amphotericin B presented the highest minimum inhibitory concentration values, and the other drugs showed effective in vitro antifungal activity. This is the first report of S. schenckii in dogs from Brazil, since S. brasiliensis is the only species that has been described in canine isolates from Rio de Janeiro to date. Nevertheless, no differences were observed in the antifungal susceptibility profiles between the S. brasiliensis and S. schenckii isolates, and it is important to continuously study new canine clinical isolates from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Potential use of Nikkomycin Z as an anti- Sporothrix spp. drug.

Sporotrichosis, the most common subcutaneous mycosis in several countries, is caused by the dimorphic fungus, Sporothrix spp. Given some limitations in the treatment of this disease, and the high potential of nikkomycin Z (NikZ) as an antifungal against dimorphic fungi, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility of Sporothrix spp. to NikZ alone and with the drug of choice, itraconazole (ITZ). Seventeen clinical isolates of three Sporothrix spp. species (10 S. brasiliensis, six S. schenckii sensu stricto and one S. globosa) were tested in microdilution and checkerboard assays. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC), fractional inhibitory and fungicidal concentration indexes (FICi and FFCi) were analyzed. MIC of NikZ alone could be determined against S. globosa (12.5 µg/ml) and against 67% (4/6) and 30% (3/10) of the S. schenckii sensu stricto and S. brasiliensis isolates, respectively (≤ 400 µg/ml). Synergism with ITZ was showed against almost all the isolates tested (94%; 16/17), including reversing resistance to ITZ alone in some isolates. Our study shows the potential of NikZ in sporotrichosis treatment. Further studies in experimental models are needed to understand the possible future application of this drug as an alternative therapy or as an adjuvant in sporotrichosis treatment. LAY ABSTRACT: Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous and lymphatic infection, caused by fungi of Sporothrix spp. Our study shows the potential of NikZ to inhibiting Sporothrix species in vitro. Further studies are needed to understand the future application of this drug to sporotrichosis treatment.

Geographical distribution and ecological niche modeling of the etiological agents of human sporotrichosis in Venezuela.

The geographical distribution and ecological niche of the two circulating species of the Sporothrix genus in Venezuela was established. For this, 68 isolates of Sporothrix spp. from patients of different regions of the country were analyzed. A molecular taxonomy analysis was conducted using a fragment of the calmodulin gene (CAL), and ITS regions, confirming the presence of S. schenckii (62%) and S. globosa (38%). Computational models of ecological niche for each species were obtained by the maximum entropy method using the MaxEnt software, which predicted the best environmental conditions for the presence of the two species. These models predict that the main variables influencing the presence of S. schenckii were altitude and annual mean temperature, while for S. globosa, the more influent variable was the land use, with 82% of S. globosa located at urban areas vs 56% for S. schenckii. The results here presented could contribute to understand the specific environmental factors that might modulate the occurrence of Sporothrix spp. as well as its transmission. To our knowledge, our analyses show for the first time Sporothrix spp.-specific ecological niche data, a valuable tool to promote evidence-based public health policymaking within endemic areas of sporotrichosis.

Comparative proteomics in the three major human pathogenic species of the genus Sporothrix.

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis of humans and other mammals, caused by dimorphic species of the genus Sporothrix. In Brazil, human disease is broadly linked to transmission by infected cats and is mainly caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis, Sporothrix schenckii and Sporothrix globosa. In this study, we used a nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry approach to provide the yeast proteomic profiles of S. brasiliensis, S. schenckii and S. globosa. From a total of 247 identified proteins, 137 were found as differentially expressed. Functional classification revealed that most are related to carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism as well as stress response. Our data indicate that S. brasiliensis metabolism is distinct of that of S. schenckii and S. globosa, mainly regarding amino acid metabolism and cell wall remodeling, which are induced in the former. Enzymes belonging to glycolytic pathway are, on the other hand, up-regulated in S. schenckii and S. globosa. These findings may explain the previously described more virulent character of S. brasiliensis. Besides complementing genomic comparisons already published, this first comparative proteomic study provided information that indicates new aspects of Sporothrix species metabolism as well as offers information that may be useful in the development of prospective functional studies.

Sporothrix brasiliensis on cats with skin ulcers in Southern Brazil.

Sporotrichosis is a disease caused by thermally dimorphic fungi belonging to the Sporothrix schenckii complex. We report the occurrence of multiple cases of sporotrichosis in cats in Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil, from 2015 to 2019. A set of 21 fungal isolates were collected and the partial sequence of calmodulin (CAL) gene compared. All isolates were identified at phenotypic and molecular level as S. brasiliensis. Phylogenetic analysis showed the isolates clustered in two distinct groups, suggesting the presence of multiple genetic variants of S. brasiliensis in the region.

Feline sporotrichosis in Asia.

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.

Molecular-based assessment of diversity and population structure of Sporothrix spp. clinical isolates from Espírito Santo-Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by Sporothrix species that affects humans and animals. Little information on the genetic diversity and population structure of the pathogen is available for Brazil, which is needed to design effective strategies to tackle the advance of sporotrichosis in endemic areas. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the genetic diversity and mating-type distribution of Sporothrix isolates recovered from human and feline cases of sporotrichosis in Espírito Santo-Brazil to better understand the population structure, epidemiology and diversification of this pathogen, as well as to explore the possible routes of transmission involved in the ongoing outbreaks. METHODS: In all, 75 Sporothrix isolates were identified with phenotypic characteristics. Then, fungal DNA extraction was performed, and the species-specific PCR technique was applied, using markers directed to the calmodulin gene. The mating-type idiomorph of species was identified by PCR using primers targeting the MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 loci. RESULTS: Among the 75 Sporothrix isolates, 76% were confirmed as S brasiliensis and 24% as S schenckii sensu stricto. S brasiliensis was more prevalent in the metropolitan area and S schenckii s. str. in the mountainous region of the state. In both species, the presence of the two sexual idiomorphs was detected, suggesting that they are heterothallic species. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that sporotrichosis takes on an epidemic-urban character involving S brasiliensis. This species in Espírito Santo is likely to originate from Rio de Janeiro, as most isolates harbour the same MAT 1-2 locus. We confirm that S brasiliensis has significantly broadened its area of occurrence, an essential feature of emerging pathogens.

Promising application of the SsCBF ELISA test to monitor the therapeutic response of feline sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis from Brazilian epidemics.

Sporotrichosis zoonotic transmission by cats has obtained hyperendemic magnitude in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Atypical cases, relapses, and reinfections as well as reduced diagnostic sensitivity of conventional methods have been reported. Previously, the anti-SsCBF enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was shown to be useful as a diagnostic tool for human sporotrichosis. Effective diagnosis and treatment are critical to interrupt the chain of transmission of this major pathogen in Brazilian Public Health. To evaluate its applicability for feline sporotrichosis diagnosis and/or therapeutic follow-up, 15 domestic cats from Rio de Janeiro were clinically and laboratory monitored by cytopathology, culture, Sporothrix genotyping, and anti-SsCBF IgG levels. Subsequently, animals were divided into satisfactory and non-satisfactory therapeutic responders. Averages of antibody serum levels obtained for diagnosis (first consultation) compared with the levels found after follow-up (last consultation) were significantly different in both groups (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.038, respectively). We conclude that the SsCBF ELISA test can predict feline sporotrichosis therapeutic responses even for animals with distinct clinical evolutions.

Phenotypic and molecular characterisation of Sporothrix globosa of diverse origin from India.

Sporotrichosis is one of the neglected tropical diseases causing subcutaneous chronic granulomatous lesion by thermally dimorphic fungi belonging to Sporothrix species. Sporothrix brasiliensis, Sporothrix mexicana and Sporothrix globosa are the common pathogenic species. In Asian countries, S. globosa constitutes nearly 99.3% of all Sporothrix species. We studied 63 cases of sporotrichosis of geographically diverse origin from India and Sporothrix isolates were characterised for its growth in different media, temperatures, ability to assimilate sugars and antifungal susceptibility profile. Molecular characterization was performed by sequencing of the calmodulin (CAL), beta tubulin (BT) and translational elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF-1α) and typing by fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism (FAFLP). In patients who presented with fixed (49.2%), lymphocutaneous lesions (23.8%), in 26.9% the details were not known, none had systemic dissemination. All the isolates tested were Sporothrix globosa and that could grow up to 35 °C and unable to grow at and beyond 37 °C. The assimilation of sucrose, ribitol and raffinose helps in identifying S. globosa. Sequences of CAL or BT or TEF-1α can differentiate S. globosa from other species in the complex. FAFLP results exhibited low genetic diversity. No correlation was noted between genotypes and clinical presentation, or geographic distribution. Itraconazole, terbinafine and posaconazole showed good in vitro antifungal activity against S. globosa whereas fluconazole and micafungin had no activity. S. globosa of Indian origin is relatively less pathogenic than other pathogenic Sporothrix species as it does not cause systemic dissemination and in the diagnostic laboratory, incubation of the cultures below 37 °C is essential for effective isolation.

Sporotrichosis in Mexico.

Sporotrichosis is an endemic mycosis caused by the species of the Sporothrix genus, and it is considered one of the most frequent subcutaneous mycoses in Mexico. This mycosis has become a relevant fungal infection in the last two decades. Today, much is known of its epidemiology and distribution, and its taxonomy has undergone revisions. New clinical species have been identified and classified through molecular tools, and they now include Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto, Sporothrix brasiliensis, Sporothrix globosa, and Sporothrix luriei. In this article, we present a systematic review of sporotrichosis in Mexico that analyzes its epidemiology, geographic distribution, and diagnosis. The results show that the most common clinical presentation of sporotrichosis in Mexico is the lymphocutaneous form, with a higher incidence in the 0-15 age range, mainly in males, and for which trauma with plants is the most frequent source of infection. In Mexico, the laboratory diagnosis of sporotrichosis is mainly carried out using conventional methods, but in recent years, several researchers have used molecular methods to identify the Sporothrix species. The treatment of choice depends mainly on the clinical form of the disease, the host's immunological status, and the species of Sporothrix involved. Despite the significance of this mycosis in Mexico, public information about sporotrichosis is scarce, and it is not considered reportable according to Mexico's epidemiological national system, the "Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica." Due to the lack of data in Mexico regarding the epidemiology of this disease, we present a systematic review of sporotrichosis in Mexico, between 1914 and 2019, that analyzes its epidemiology, geographic distribution, and diagnosis.

A novel Sporothrix brasiliensis genomic variant in Midwestern Brazil: evidence for an older and wider sporotrichosis epidemic.

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous infection caused by fungi from the genus Sporothrix. It is transmitted by inoculation of infective particles found in plant-contaminated material or diseased animals, characterizing the classic sapronotic and emerging zoonotic transmission, respectively. Since 1998, southeastern Brazil has experienced a zoonotic sporotrichosis epidemic caused by S. brasiliensis, centred in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Our observation of feline sporotrichosis cases in Brasília (Midwestern Brazil), around 900 km away from Rio de Janeiro, led us to question whether the epidemic caused by S. brasiliensis has spread from the epicentre in Rio de Janeiro, emerged independently in the two locations, or if the disease has been present and unrecognized in Midwestern Brazil. A retrospective analysis of 91 human and 4 animal cases from Brasília, ranging from 1993 to 2018, suggests the occurrence of both sapronotic and zoonotic transmission. Molecular typing of the calmodulin locus identified S. schenckii as the agent in two animals and all seven human patients from which we were able to recover clinical isolates. In two other animals, the disease was caused by S. brasiliensis. Whole-genome sequence typing of seven Sporothrix spp. strains from Brasília and Rio de Janeiro suggests that S. brasiliensis isolates from Brasília are genetically distinct from those obtained at the epicentre of the outbreak in Rio de Janeiro, both in phylogenomic and population genomic analyses. The two S. brasiliensis populations seem to have separated between 2.2 and 3.1 million years ago, indicating independent outbreaks or that the zoonotic S. brasiliensis outbreak might have started earlier and be more widespread in South America than previously recognized.

Genome-wide mapping using new AFLP markers to explore intraspecific variation among pathogenic Sporothrix species.

Sporotrichosis is a chronic subcutaneous mycosis caused by Sporothrix species, of which the main aetiological agents are S. brasiliensis, S. schenckii, and S. globosa. Infection occurs after a traumatic inoculation of Sporothrix propagules in mammals' skin and can follow either a classic route through traumatic inoculation by plant debris (e.g., S. schenckii and S. globosa) or an alternative route through zoonotic transmission from animals (e.g., S. brasiliensis). Epizootics followed by a zoonotic route occur in Brazil, with Rio de Janeiro as the epicenter of a recent cat-transmitted epidemic. DNA-based markers are needed to explore the epidemiology of these Sporothrix expansions using molecular methods. This paper reports the use of amplified-fragment-length polymorphisms (AFLP) to assess the degree of intraspecific variability among Sporothrix species. We used whole-genome sequences from Sporothrix species to generate 2,304 virtual AFLP fingerprints. In silico screening highlighted 6 primer pair combinations to be tested in vitro. The protocol was used to genotype 27 medically relevant Sporothrix. Based on the overall scored AFLP markers (97-137 fragments), the values of polymorphism information content (PIC = 0.2552-0.3113), marker index (MI = 0.002-0.0039), effective multiplex ratio (E = 17.8519-35.2222), resolving power (Rp = 33.6296-63.1852), discriminating power (D = 0.9291-0.9662), expected heterozygosity (H = 0.3003-0.3857), and mean heterozygosity (Havp = 0.0001) demonstrated the utility of these primer combinations for discriminating Sporothrix. AFLP markers revealed cryptic diversity in species previously thought to be the most prevalent clonal type, such as S. brasiliensis, responsible for cat-transmitted sporotrichosis, and S. globosa responsible for large sapronosis outbreaks in Asia. Three combinations (#3 EcoRI-FAM-GA/MseI-TT, #5 EcoRI-FAM-GA/MseI-AG, and #6 EcoRI-FAM-TA/MseI-AA) provide the best diversity indices and lowest error rates. These methods make it easier to track routes of disease transmission during epizooties and zoonosis, and our DNA fingerprint assay can be further transferred between laboratories to give insights into the ecology and evolution of pathogenic Sporothrix species and to inform management and mitigation strategies to tackle the advance of sporotrichosis.

Fatal pulmonary sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis in Northeast Brazil.

BACKGROUND: A relevant case of pulmonary sporotrichosis due to Sporothrix brasiliensis is reported in a 50-year-old immunocompetent woman who had no history of skin trauma, but was in close contact with several stray cats at her nap time. The patient was hospitalized after 7 months of illness. The survey was conducted for pulmonary tuberculosis, an endemic disease in Brazil. She presented multiple central pulmonary nodules images, with central cavitation. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The patient bronchoalveolar lavage was cultured and Sporothrix sp. growth was obtained. Then, the isolate (LMMM1097) was accurately identified to the species level by using species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Molecular diagnosis revealed that the emerging species Sporothrix brasiliensis was the agent of primary pulmonary sporotrichosis and the patient was treated with Amphotericin B lipid complex, but presented severe clinical symptoms and the fatal outcome was observed at day 25 after hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our report adds important contributions to the clinical-epidemiological features of sporotrichosis, showing the geographic expansion of the agent within different regions of Brazil and a rare clinical manifestation (primary pulmonary sporotrichosis) caused by the emerging agent S. brasiliensis in an immunocompetent female patient.

Is Sporothrix chilensis circulating outside Chile?

Sporothrix chilensis is a mild-pathogenical specie of Sporothrix pallida complex, until now, known as restrict to Chile. Herein, we describe the first clinical isolates identified as S. chilensis in Brazil, preserved in the URM Culture Collection, by polyphasic taxonomy, and their respective antifungal profile of this emergent fungus.

Coinfection of domestic felines by distinct Sporothrix brasiliensis in the Brazilian sporotrichosis hyperendemic area.

Microbial interactions may impact patient's diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Sporotrichosis is a hyperendemic neglected zoonosis in Brazil, caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis. Four pairs of clinical isolates of Sporothrix were recovered from four diseased cats (CIM01-CIM04, two isolates per animal) raising the possibility of coinfection in a sporotrichosis hyperendemic area, Brazil. Each isolate of the pair had distinct pigmentation in mycological culture, and was designated as "Light" or "Dark", for low and high pigmentation, respectively. Dark isolates reacted strongly with monoclonal antibodies to melanin (p ≤ 0.05) by both ELISA and FACS quantitation, and displayed a ring pattern with some regions exhibiting higher punctuated labeling at cell wall by immunofluorescence. In turn, Light isolates reacted less intensely, with few and discrete punctuated labeling at the cell wall. PCR identified all isolates as S. brasiliensis, MAT1-2 idiomorph. Sequencing of ß-tubulin and calmodulin genes followed by phylogenetic analysis placed all eight isolates within the same cluster as others from the Brazilian hyperendemic area. The ability of these strains to stimulate cytokine production by human PBMCs (Peripheral blood mononuclear cells) was also analyzed. CIM01 and CIM03 Light and Dark isolates showed similar cytokine profiles to the control strain, while CIM02 and CIM04 behaved differently (p < 0.001), suggesting that differences in the surface of the isolates can influence host-fungus interaction. MICs for amphotericin B, terbinafine, caspofungin, micafungin, itraconazole, fluconazole, and voriconazole were obtained (CLSI M38-A2/M27-A3). Pairwise comparisons showed distinct MICs between Sporothrix Light and Dark isolates, higher than at least two-fold dilutions, to at least one of the antifungals tested. Isolates from the same pair displayed discrepancies in relation to fungistatic or fungicidal drug activity, notably after itraconazole exposure. Since S. brasiliensis Light and Dark isolates show disparate phenotypic parameters it is quite possible that coinfection represents a common occurrence in the hyperendemic area, with potential clinical implications on feline sporotrichosis dynamics. Alternatively, future studies will address if this specie may have, as reported for other fungi, broad phenotypic plasticity.

The threat of emerging and re-emerging pathogenic Sporothrix species.

Sporotrichosis is a neglected subcutaneous mycosis of humans and animals acquired by traumatic inoculation of soil and plant material (classical route) contaminated with infectious propagules of the pathogen or being bitten/scratched by infected cats (alternative route). Within a genus composed of 53 species displaying an essentially environmental core, there are only a few members which have considerable impacts on human or animal health. Infections are typically caused by S. brasiliensis, S. schenckii or S. globosa. Rare mammal pathogens include members of the S. pallida and S. stenocereus complexes. To illustrate the tremendous impact of emerging zoonotic sporotrichosis on public health, we discuss the main features of the expanding epidemics driven by S. brasiliensis in cats and humans. The cat entry in the transmission chain of sporotrichosis, causing epizooties (cat-cat) or zoonosis (cat-human), has contributed to the definition of new paradigms in Sporothrix transmission, reaching epidemic levels, making the disease a serious public health problem. Indeed, S. brasiliensis infection in humans and animals is likely to become even more important in the future, with projections of its expansion in biogeographic domains and host range, as well as greater virulence in mammals. Therefore, lessons from a long-standing outbreak in the state of Rio de Janeiro about the source and distribution of the etiological agents among outbreak areas can be used to create better control and prevention plans and increase awareness of sporotrichosis as a serious emerging zoonotic disease.

Molecular epidemiology of Sporothrix schenkii isolates in Malaysia.

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.