Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health
ISSN: 3065-9078 | DOI: 10.64030/3065-9078
Bruna Muradas Esperon, Vanice Rodrigues Poester, Cassiane Ferreira Dos Santos Lessa, Mariana Rodrigues Trápaga, Livia Silveira Munhoz, Karine Ortiz Sanchotene, Fabiana Fedatto Bernardon and Melissa Orzechowski Xavier
Background Sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis is a major zoonotic public health problem in Brazil and an emerging neglected tropical disease worldwide. Southern Rio Grande do Sul has been a hyperendemic area since the 1990s; however, a lack of knowledge regarding the treatment and outcomes of cats still persists.
Subjects and Method We aimed to evaluate the management, treatment, and outcomes of feline sporotrichosis, as well as owners’ knowledge about the disease, in a hyperendemic city in southern Brazil. A retrospective analysis was performed including cases diagnosed between January 2021 and December 2024, followed by interviews with cat owners.
Results Among 293 feline sporotrichosis, 62 owners participated. Most cats were male (75%), had outdoor access (55%), and disseminated cutaneous lesions (56%). Itraconazole monotherapy was the most frequent treatment (77%), with a mean duration of 147 days. Clinical cure occurred in 63% of treated cats, while 37% died. Treatment with compounded itraconazole was significantly associated with death (p=0.036). The mean treatment cost was USD 167, representing a substantial financial burden for owners. Nearly half of participants (42%) learned about sporotrichosis only after the cat diagnosis, and 16% reported zoonotic transmission.
Conclusion Our findings highlight treatment challenges, limited public awareness, and the need for free antifungal therapy programs and educational actions. Strengthening public health policies and veterinary support is essential for effective control of feline and zoonotic sporotrichosis