Spread of <i>Sporothrix</i> spp. through respiratory droplets from infected cats: A potential route of transmission
Fernanda de Andrade Galliano Daros Bastos, Regielly Caroline Raimundo Cognialli, Marconi Rodrigues de Farias, Fabiana Monti, Karen Wu, Flávio Queiroz‐Telles
Abstract
Cases of cat-transmitted sporotrichosis in Brazil have increased in recent years. We collected respiratory secretions expelled while sneezing from 28 cats diagnosed with sporotrichosis. We identified the presence of Sporothrix spp. in respiratory droplets expelled in the sneeze of infected cats. The results raise concerns about a new transmission route for cat-transmitted sporotrichosis. Physicians who diagnose and treat human cases of sporotrichosis should be aware of this potential new transmission method to improve clinical suspicion. Approximately half of patients with granulomatous conjunctival sporotrichosis did not report experiencing traumatic injury from cats.