Abstract / Description of output
Case summary
A 12-year-old female-neutered, indoor-outdoor domestic longhaired cat presented with frequent sneezing and a nodular, suppurative lesion on her dorsal nose. Histopathological examination revealed a fungal granuloma. PCR and sequencing of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS) regions (ITS-F and ITS-R) confirmed an infection with a Sporothrix species. Further sequencing of the beta-tubulin and calmodulin genes confirmed S. humicola, which lies within the S. pallida complex. The cat had concurrent diabetes mellitus, which responded to insulin therapy and diet. Oral itraconazole at 10 mg/kg PO q24h resulted in resolution of the lesions after 12 months. Treatment was well tolerated.
Relevance and Novel Information
This is the first report of sporotrichosis in a cat in the UK and only the fifth worldwide involving the S. pallida complex. Clinicians, pathologists and microbiologists need to be aware of the potential of Sporothrix infections in the UK and the ability of S. pallida complex to cause opportunistic infections. Molecular techniques can achieve rapid and accurate identification of rare fungal organisms. A precise diagnosis with molecular testing can provide information regarding prognosis, treatment and zoonotic implications.
A 12-year-old female-neutered, indoor-outdoor domestic longhaired cat presented with frequent sneezing and a nodular, suppurative lesion on her dorsal nose. Histopathological examination revealed a fungal granuloma. PCR and sequencing of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS) regions (ITS-F and ITS-R) confirmed an infection with a Sporothrix species. Further sequencing of the beta-tubulin and calmodulin genes confirmed S. humicola, which lies within the S. pallida complex. The cat had concurrent diabetes mellitus, which responded to insulin therapy and diet. Oral itraconazole at 10 mg/kg PO q24h resulted in resolution of the lesions after 12 months. Treatment was well tolerated.
Relevance and Novel Information
This is the first report of sporotrichosis in a cat in the UK and only the fifth worldwide involving the S. pallida complex. Clinicians, pathologists and microbiologists need to be aware of the potential of Sporothrix infections in the UK and the ability of S. pallida complex to cause opportunistic infections. Molecular techniques can achieve rapid and accurate identification of rare fungal organisms. A precise diagnosis with molecular testing can provide information regarding prognosis, treatment and zoonotic implications.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-5 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports |
| Volume | 6 |
| Early online date | 14 Feb 2020 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 14 Feb 2020 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- Cutaneous mycosis
- molecular identification
- Sporothrix pallida
- Sporothrix species
- sporotrichosis