Sporotrichosis in Cats

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  • First isolated by Benjamin Schenck in 1898, sporotrichosis is a rare zoonotic (transmissible to humans and other animals) fungal infection of humans and animals. It is caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii which is present in the soil, wood, living and decaying plant material. Infection occurs in a range of hosts which include humans where it is known as rose gardener’s disease. Outdoor workers such as farmers, forestry workers, gardeners, and nursery employees are at the highest risk. Dogs, camels, dolphins, horses, cattle, and pigs have also been infected. However, infection occurs most often in cats.

    Sporothrix schenckii is dimorphic, which means it exists in two forms. On vegetation, it forms mycelia, long thread-like filaments, while in the tissue it converts to yeast. It can survive for months or years in the environment.

    Sporotrichosis is most common in outdoor cats, especially males who are more prone to fighting.

    Infection occurs in five forms:

    1. Cutaneous – Single fixed nodule or lesion which develops at the inoculation site.
    2. Multifocal or Disseminated Cutaneous – Lesions which involve two anatomic sites.
    3. Lymphocutaneous – Left untreated, cutaneous sporotrichosis can progress to lymphocutaneous. Nodules or lesions develop at the entry site, which then travels through the lymphatic system where new nodules and lesions develop along the lymphatic chain.
    4. Disseminated – Infection spreads throughout the body via the blood or direct inhalation and can affect any organ system, the lungs and liver are the most common sites, other locations include the bones (osteoarticular sporotrichosis), brain, joints, eyes, spleen, mammary gland, testis, and eye.
    5. Pulmonary – Infection of the lungs due to inhalation of infective spores.

    Global distribution

    Sporothrix schenckii is found worldwide although clinical infection is most common in tropical and sub-tropical zones with humid climates which favour the growth of the organism.

    Transmission

    The primary mode of transmission is inoculation via a puncture or scratch from a splinter, thorn or twig, bite or scratch from an infected cat or contamination of an existing wound.

    Infection can also occur via direct contact with an infected animal, mostly cats.

    Symptoms

    Sporotrichosis in cats

    The incubation period can range from several days to 12 weeks post-exposure and can include the following symptoms:

    • Progressively enlarging, non-healing noduloulcerative lesion (sporotrichotic chancre). Lesions may appear as papules, papulopustules, nodules, or verrucous plaques. They may initially appear as wounds or abscesses. Exudate from lesions is thick and brownish-red.
    • The head, face-especially across the bridge of the nose-and ear margins, as well as the limbs and base of the tail, are the most common areas of infection. Secondary bacterial infection can develop in affected lesions.
    • Swollen lymph nodes adjacent to the affected area(s).
    • Symptoms of disseminated sporotrichosis depend on the body part affected but can include loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, lethargy and widespread cutaneous lesions which spread through the blood vessels. Approximately 1 in 3 cats develops respiratory signs.
    • Lethargy, cough, fever, shortness of breath (pulmonary sporotrichosis).

    Diagnosis

    The veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination of the cat and obtain a history from you.

    Diagnostic tests:

    Cytology and histopathology: A preliminary diagnosis can be made by microscopic examination samples from aspiration of abscesses and nodules, ulcerated skin and skin samples that are dried and stained.

    Fungal culture: Definitive diagnosis is made by isolation of Sporothrix schenckii from specimen culture of a lesion or nodule.

    FIV and FeLV test: In cats with disseminated sporotrichosis.

    Treatment

    The treatment of choice for sporotrichosis is oral Itraconazole (10 mg/kg/day), administered twice a day with food. It can take several weeks or months for lesions to resolve.

    Other treatment options include ketoconazole, sodium iodide, potassium iodide and terbinafine (Lamisil). However, these medications are potentially toxic to the liver. During treatment, it will be necessary to closely monitor liver function for signs of toxicity.

    Antibiotics if a secondary bacterial infection is present.

    Due to its zoonotic risk, caregivers need to practise strict hygiene. Always wear disposable rubber gloves when handling a cat with sporotrichosis and see a doctor immediately if you develop nodules or lesions.

    Prevention

    The most effective way to prevent sporotrichosis is to keep cats indoors and desex all cats to reduce the risk of territorial fighting.

    Disinfection

    Sporothrix schenckii is susceptible to the following disinfectants: 1% sodium hypochlorite and iodine.

    FAQ

    Can sporotrichosis go away on its own?

    No, sporotrichosis will not go away on its own. Also, while the cat is infected, carers are at risk of acquiring infection, and there is a potential for disseminated sporotrichosis to develop in untreated cats.

    Can I catch sporotrichosis from my cat?

    Yes, infection is possible via exposure to draining lesions or scratches from an infected cat.

    Author

    • Julia Wilson, 'Cat World' Founder

      Julia Wilson is the founder of Cat-World, and has researched and written over 1,000 articles about cats. She is a cat expert with over 20 years of experience writing about a wide range of cat topics, with a special interest in cat health, welfare and preventative care. Julia lives in Sydney with her family, four cats and two dogs. Full author bio