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

Prakash Peralam Yegneswaran*, Handattu Sripathi, Indira Bairy, Vrushali Lonikar, Raghavendra Rao, Smitha Prabhu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1198-1200
Number of pages3
JournalInternational Journal of Dermatology
Volume48
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01-11-2009

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Dermatology

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