First case report of cutaneous sporotrichosis ( species) in a cat in the UK.

CASE SUMMARY

A 12-year-old female neutered indoor-outdoor domestic longhair cat presented with frequent sneezing and a nodular, suppurative lesion on its 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 species. Further sequencing of the beta-tubulin and calmodulin genes confirmed , which lies within the 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 complex. Clinicians, pathologists and microbiologists need to be aware of the potential of infections in the UK and the ability of 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.