SPOROTHRIX SCHENCKII COMPLEX. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE AND CONSIDERATIONS ON THE DIAGNOSIS AND EPIDEMIOLOGY

Abstract

Through sequencing of genes, one has been demonstrated that the species S. schenckii is a complex that consists of the following cryptic species: Sporothrix albicans, Sporothrix brasiliensis, Sporothrix globosa, Sporothrix luriei, Sporothrix mexicana and S. schenckii.

Sporotrichosis is an infection initiated by traumatic inoculation of dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii and is widely distributed throughout the world. During the last decade there has been a significant increase in clinical cases of sporotrichosis in Brazil, particularly in the State of Rio de Janeiro where an epidemic has manifested itself in humans, which correlates with transmission by cats. Currently this mycosis should be considered an important zoonosis, especially in areas where it is endemic. Important changes have been observed in all the aspects related to ecoepidemiology of these disease, especially in their dissemination and transmission. With the increasing number of pathogenic species, routine diagnostic procedures of sporotrichosis have changed, with the inclusion of new aspects of morphology, physiology and nutrition.