Camila Valgas Bastos

This study explored the transmission patterns of zoonotic sporotrichosis in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, focusing on human interactions with infected domestic cats. We analyzed 104 human cases diagnosed between 2016 and 2022 using a semi-structured questionnaire, randomly selected from Health Department records. Direct contact with infected cats was the primary transmission mode (86.54%), through intimate interactions like holding and sleeping together (44.23%). Most infected cats were household pets (70.20%) and showed visible clinical signs during transmission (83.65%), emphasizing the need for vigilant pet management. In over 70% of cases, contact lasted more than two hours daily. Transmission mainly occurred through scratches (51.92%), contact with fur and wounds (23.08%), and bites (11.54%), especially when giving medication or restraining the animal for veterinary care. While 94.23% of patients sought medical care after lesions appeared, many lacked proper guidance on preventing other diseases, especially rabies and tetanus, highlighting gaps in healthcare delivery. Our findings stress the necessity for improved public health strategies and education on safe cat management, and preventive measures in homes. Furthermore, they contribute to the understanding of transmission dynamics in urban areas, guiding actions for the prevention and control of this importante emerging zoonosis.

The sporotrichosis epidemic has significantly impacted public health across Brazil, including Minas Gerais. This study describes the epidemiological evolution of human sporotrichosis during the first six years of mandatory reporting (2018-2023) in the Minas Gerais state. A total of 2,351 confirmed cases were recorded, mostly diagnosed by clinical-epidemiological criteria (68.7%). Cases predominantly affected women (67.2%), individuals of brown ethnic group (47.7%), and those with a median age of 42.5 years. Spatial analysis revealed a consistent territorial expansion, with all mesoregions reporting cases, by 2023; central and southeastern regions were most affected. Incidence rates varied widely (0.46 to 165.51/100,000 people). Most affected municipalities had higher Municipal Human Development Index scores (62%) and were small-sized (44.56%). Our study highlights critical issues related to local social and spatial factors, underscoring the need to develop more effective surveillance and control strategies at both regional and municipal levels.

Brazil currently faces the highest incidence of zoonotic sporotrichosis, primarily linked to interactions with sick cats. However, this article sheds light on an emerging phenomenon: an increasing number of sporotrichosis cases in dogs. The objective of this report is to examine a case of canine sporotrichosis resulting in zoonotic transmission to human. The affected animal displayed a fixed cutaneous manifestation, and its owner became infected through direct contact with the lesion while handling the pet, subsequently developing the lymphocutaneous form. Both the owner and their pet received accurate diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, the dog died. The owner underwent antifungal therapy and attained clinical recovery post-treatment. Documenting occurrences of human sporotrichosis consequent to exposure to infected canines alerts doctors and veterinarians about this new disease’s epidemiological dynamics. This particular case, acquired through contact with an infected dog, highlights the increasing zoonotic role for canines in sporotrichosis transmission to humans.

Sporotrichosis is a neglected fungal zoonosis with significant impacts on human and animal health. Accurate diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of the transmission dynamics of Sporothrix species are essential for mitigating the spread of sporotrichosis. This study aimed to identify the Sporothrix species involved in the ongoing outbreaks of animal sporotrichosis in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and analyse the phylogenetic relationships between pathogenic species to investigate the outbreak origin. Additionally, to better understand the evolution of the disease, we conducted a retrospective survey of positive feline and canine cases from November 2017 to July 2021 with proven cultures for Sporothrix. A significant increase in animal cases over the last 4 years was observed, with cats being the most affected host. Sporothrix brasiliensis was the predominant agent in 100% of the clinical isolates (n = 180) molecularly identified. Phylogenetic and haplotype analysis points towards the cases isolated from Minas Gerais sharing the haplotype originating from a long‐lasting outbreak of cat‐transmitted sporotrichosis in Rio de Janeiro, however, with a secondary contribution from genotypes circulating in other outbreaks in Brazil. Thus, we present clear evidence of the circulation of different S. brasiliensis genotypes associated with animal sporotrichosis in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte. Genetic monitoring can contribute to understanding the causal agent for zoonotic sporotrichosis in epidemiological processes and help to implement disease prevention and control measures.

Although sporotrichosis requires a broad approach for control, few reports have described the relationship between the index case and secondary contacts. In the present work, we report an outbreak involving a woman, a dog, and two cats from the same household environment, including the clinical and epidemiological aspects and outcomes, and discuss the importance of a One Health approach to face this neglected disease. The joint efforts of professionals such as veterinarians and physicians are essential for early diagnosis and surveillance, which contributes to the rapid identification and control of zoonotic sporotrichosis outbreaks.

In this study, we evaluated the monitoring of tick fever (TF) in a Brazilian dairy farm in the Minas Gerais state, Brazil, from July 10 to August 4, 2018. We aimed to identify diagnostic and treatment flaws in the protocol adopted by the farm, and to establish a novel and accurate TF monitoring protocol based on precision dairy farming and rational use of antimicrobials and antiparasitic drugs, while evaluating the economic benefits of the proposed strategy. We monitored TF in 395 heifer calves aged between 3 and 14 mo. According to the farm's standard protocol, all calves with an increase of 0.5°C in rectal temperature compared with the previous week's measurement were treated for Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. Blood smears were collected from the tail tip of the treated calves. During the last week of the study, we prepared blood smears of all calves regardless of treatment indication. Economic analysis was performed. The results indicated that at least 56.86% (261/459) of the calves did not require treatment for TF, whereas only 23.09% (106/459) had treatment indications. Negative blood smears (45.97%; 211/459) indicated the possibility of calves being affected by another disease or a condition that was not being adequately treated or those not necessarily sick. These results demonstrate the excessive use of medications, representing a direct economic loss, in addition to potentially favoring the occurrence of resistance to antimicrobials. In contrast, 9.42% (26/276) of calves had no treatment indication based on rectal temperature but had treatment indications based on blood smears. Only 5.73% (42/735) of blood smears had co-infection with hemopathogens, and none had triple co-infection. Therefore, we proposed the monitoring of TF using rectal temperature and microscopic analysis. If implemented, this strategy would result in a direct annual savings of approximately $22,638.96 (77.99%) related to medication for the treatment of TF. Therefore, implementing the proposed protocol would be cheaper than treatment based only on rectal temperatures. The currently implemented TF protocols overestimate the occurrence of TF, resulting in overtreatment. Thus, implementing a TF monitoring protocol based on a microscopy tool is justified, with benefits including rational use of medication, potential to generate savings, and reduced morbidity and mortality rates, in addition to enabling other diagnoses.