Epidemic Cat-Transmitted Sporotrichosis

Abstract

Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection that occurs through traumatic inoculation of organic matter that is contaminated with Sporothrix schenckii and is usually limited to the skin and subcutaneous tissue. In North America, the infection is most commonly associated with scratches from thorn bushes. Occasionally, sporotrichosis has been associated with scratches or bites by animals, especially domestic cats. Little is known about canine and feline transmission of sporotrichosis.