Sporothrix brasiliensis: A Review of an Emerging South American Fungal Pathogen, Its Related Disease, Presentation and Spread in Argentina

Sporotrichosis, caused by Sporothrix schenckii and related species, is the most frequent implantation mycosis in Latin America. In Argentina, over the last 8 years, there have been 0.16 new cases per month of feline sporotrichosis in 2011, increasing to 0.75 cases per month in 2019 and involving zoonotic transmission to humans. Molecular identification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detected Sporothrix brasiliensis in these feline and zoonotic outbreaks. This study will focus on different feline and human sporotrichosis outbreaks caused by S. brasiliensis in Argentina during 2011-2019. We will address the sources of infection and environmental hotspots, as well as the application of several treatment strategies for improving the pharmacotherapy of the different clinical forms of the disease. Finally, we will provide a detailed summary of the clinical aspects and new advances in host-pathogen interactions, virulence factors and immune response, focusing on state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and potential vaccine candidates.

Automated summary

Sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix schenckii and related species is common in Latin America, with a recent increase in cases in Argentina linked to zoonotic transmission. Molecular identification revealed Sporothrix brasiliensis as the causative agent, leading to outbreaks in cats and humans. The study aims to investigate sources of infection, environmental hotspots, treatment strategies, clinical aspects, host-pathogen interactions, and potential vaccine candidates in Argentina from 2011-2019.