The combined effect of a cutaneo-lymphatic fungus, Sporothrix schenckii and a lymphatic-dwelling nematode, Brugia Malayi.

Domestic cats were infected with third-stage Brugia malayi in such a way that the parasites were restricted to the regional lymphatics of one hind limb. Later, these cats were exposed on the same leg to the yeast phase of Sporothrix schenckii. Edema and fibrosis were more extensive in cats infected with both Brugia and Sporothrix than in cats with either of these organisms alone. Lesions tended to appear earlier, more consistently and progressed more rapidly in cats with dual infections than in Sporothrix controls. No septic lesions were seen in any Brugia controls. Dissemination of the organism was also greater in animals with dual infections than in those infected only with Sporothrix. On the basis of this study, it appears probable that in certain istances fungi, as well as bacteria, may play an important role in transforming a mild subclinical case of lymphatic filariasis into a serious medical problem and that a filarial infection may greatly exacerbate an existing Sporothrix infection.