Associated factors and spatial patterns of the epidemic sporotrichosis in a high density human populated area: A cross-sectional study from 2016 to 2018

Abstract We carried out an epidemiological characterization of human and feline sporotrichosis, between 2016 and 2018, in a high density-populated area in Brazil. Professionals were trained to identify suspected cats and notified vets to interview the owners and collect swabs of the wounds from these animals. Mycological cultures were performed, and colonies identified for Spotrothrix spp. Subsequently, data regarding the outcome from suspected animals were collected. Confirmed cases of human sporotrichosis (56) were also counted and analysed for spatial distribution. Regions with highest prevalence of feline sporotrichosis, had greater frequencies of both human and feline cases. 118 (77.63%) animals were positive. Animals that lived only partially at home were 3.02 times more likely of being positive (OR 3.02, CI 95% 1,96-10,43). The prevalence of feline sporotrichosis was 8.36 ‰ (CI 95%, 5.38 - 9.55 ‰). There was no statistically significant association between environmental variables and positive diagnosis, corroborating the hypothesis that direct transmission by infected cats plays a greater role in the occurrence and continuous outbreaks of sporotrichosis in Brazil. Among the positive animals, 61.90% (CI 95% 58.95 - 64.96) died, being 6.30 times more likely to die than negative animals (p< 0.05, OR 6.30, CI 95% 2,79-14,42). The lethality rate was 55.08% in cats (CI 95% 49.20 - 51.15). The mortality for sporotrichosis was 4.6 ‰ cats (CI 95% 3.4 - 6 ‰). Only 7.62% (CI 95% 7.12 - 8.16) positive cats were treated and cured. Among dead positive animals, 29.23% were inappropriately discarded. This is the first report on the epidemic of sporotrichosis in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The free offer for treatment and veterinary care to these animals should be taken into consideration, as well as the collection and incineration of the dead ones, as measures of public health, followed by the guidance and care for the human patient.