Zoonotic sporotrichosis of lymphocutaneous type in a man acquired from a domesticated feline source: report of a first case in southern Karnataka, India

Background Sporotrichosis is commonly encountered due to traumatic implantation of thorns or decayed vegetation with the dimorphic fungi, Sporothrix schenckii. Zoonotic spread of Sporotrichosis is rare and we describe here the first case of feline transmission of lymphocutaneous sporotrichiosis encountered in India. Methods An excision biopsy of nodulo-ulcerative lesion from the patients right elbow and forearm were collected for histopathology and portion of the specimen processed for mycological work up. Animal pathogenicity test performed in Swiss albino mice with intraperitoneal & foot pad inoculation. In addition an investigation of the ulcerative skin lesion from the domesticated cat was carried out. Results Histopathology examination of tissue sample from the patient and feline lesion revealed granulomatous reaction and a few slender elongated yeast cells consistent with Sporotrichosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by culturing Sporothrix schenkii and demonstration of thermal dimorphism. Pathogenicity testing in mice lead to orchitis in 12-15 days and the organism was re-isolated in pure culture. The patient was treated with oral saturated potassium iodide solution with complete resolution of the lesions. Conclusion Close contact with infected domesticated feline can be a potential source of transmission for Sporotrichosis as evidenced in this report.