Estudo retrospectivo de casos de esporotricose felina diagnosticados no Hospital Veterinário Universitário Prof. Ivon Macêdo Tabosa

Abstract

Sporotrichosis is a disease caused by a dimorphic fungus, belonging to the complex known as Sporotrix schenckii. This genus includes several species distributed worldwide, affecting various animal species, but the primary target is cats. This study aims to quantify, characterize, and profile the animals affected by feline sporotrichosis in the municipality of Patos-PB, diagnosed at the small animal clinic department from March 2021 to March 2023. Data on general anamnesis, physical examination, complementary tests, method and definitive diagnosis, and details of the clinical changes observed were obtained through the analysis of patient records at the UFCG University Hospital. The following variables were also assessed: sex, age, and affected physiological system. Of the 2,297 (38.8%) patients treated during the study period, 59 (2.6%) were diagnosed with sporotrichosis. Of these, 41 (69.5%) were unneutered, 45 (76.3%) of the affected animals were male, while only 14 (23.7%) were female. Additionally, 46 (77.9%) of the affected animals were over 2 years old when treated, with an average age of 2.71 ± 2.14 years. All affected animals had access to the street. Sporotrichosis is a neglected and emerging zoonosis, with a significant zoonotic potential, especially in Patos due to the large number of street animals.