Sporotrichosis: An Update on Epidemiology and In Vitro Antifungal Susceptibilities of Sporothrix schenckii Isolated From Humans and Cats in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Abstract

The epidemiological pattern of human sporotrichosis infections in Klang Valley, Malaysia and antifungal susceptibility of the causative fungal pathogen, Sporothrix schenckii was determined. A total of 67 culture positive sporotrichosis cases were recorded from 2015-2018 at three Klang Valley hospitals, with a majority in the 19-30 years age group. Association with felines represent the highest (47.76%) risk factor for sporotrichosis. The clinical presentation was predominantly lymphocutaneous infection (59.67%). S. schenckii isolates from humans and cats were tested for antifungal susceptibility using the standardized broth microdilution method. All 25 S. schenckii isolates tested were susceptible to itraconazole (MIC 0.5-2 μg/mL), while MIC was lower for ravuconazole (0.125-1 μg/mL). Awareness and emphasis on feline associated sporotrichosis are needed in Malaysia. While itraconazole is the recommended treatment, ravuconazole may be an additional, potentially effective treatment against S. schenckii.