Feline sporotrichosis: an expanding yet still neglected zoonosis in Brazil

Abstract

Sporotrichosis is a zoonosis of major importance due to the global expansion of its occurrence, the identification of new pathogenic species, and changes in the disease’s epidemiology. However, the lack of mandatory notification for diagnosed cases hinders an accurate understanding of the disease burden, thereby complicating the implementation of preventive and awareness measures for professionals and the population. The present review aims to update knowledge on the progression and distribution of sporotrichosis in the country to emphasize the need for actions related to prevention, control, and care. The data are essential to understand the dynamics of sporotrichosis and fundamental for promoting public health policies and guiding actions for professionals and the general public. This review highlights the impacts of zoonotic sporotrichosis, which is rapidly expanding in Brazil, emphasizing the importance of coordinated actions involving public authorities, public health agencies, and the population to prevent the spread of this zoonosis. In particular, it underscores the need to implement mandatory case reporting nationwide, as the available official data do not accurately reflect the true prevalence of sporotrichosis in Brazil.