Allochthonous zoonotic sporotrichosis in the Brazilian Central-West: diagnostic challenges in a nonendemic area

Abstract

Sporotrichosis, a neglected zoonotic fungal infection, is becoming increasingly prevalent in Brazil, with cats being the primary source of human transmission. This report details the first documented case of zoonotic human sporotrichosis in Mato Grosso State, a non-endemic area; the infection was acquired from an animal in an endemic area. The patient developed a subcutaneous ulcerative lesion following contact with a cat from Minas Gerais State, a known disease hotspot. Initially misdiagnosed, the infection was later confirmed as Sporothrix brasiliensis after fungal culture and molecular analysis. The patient was successfully treated with itraconazole. This case highlights the importance of considering sporotrichosis in the differential diagnosis, even in non-endemic areas, due to the risk of zoonotic transmission. It also emphasizes the need for a One Health approach to improve surveillance, diagnostic accuracy, and management of emerging fungal diseases in endemic and expanding areas.