TOPEKA, KANSAS – A recent report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention revealed a cluster of rare fungal infections in two pet cats and a veterinarian who treated them. These cases, occurring in late 2022 and early 2023, were linked to a fungus known as Sporothrix schenckii. The CDC’s findings come amidst ongoing monitoring of a similar fungal infection in cats in South America, caused by a related fungus called Sporothrix brasiliensis, which has not been detected in the United States.
Sporotrichosis, the illness resulting from a Sporothrix infection, is uncommon in the United States but not unprecedented. Typically transmitted through contact with sharp plants like rose thorns, it manifests as a slow-healing skin infection that is not contagious, as stated by the CDC. When cats contract the infection, they can harbor a high fungal load, increasing the risk of spreading it to other animals and humans.
Ian Hennessee, an officer at the CDC, emphasized the severity of the infections in cats, noting that they often develop wounds on their face, nasal cavities, and paws filled with fungi. While such infections rarely prompt public health concern, a particular case involving human interaction sparked interest among health officials in Kansas.
The initial case involved an indoor-outdoor cat with a non-healing paw wound, subsequently infecting a veterinary technician through a scratch. Despite delayed diagnosis, prompt treatment led to the technician’s recovery. However, the infected cat’s condition worsened after receiving antifungal treatment, leading to euthanasia. Another cat in the same household was promptly treated and successfully recovered from the infection.
Experts, including Dr. Arturo Casadevall, emphasized the treatability of such fungal infections if diagnosed early. Although concerns were raised regarding the spreading of S. brasiliensis, tests confirmed the presence of S. schenckii in the Kansas cases. While the infections are considered rare and non-severe in the U.S., health authorities underscore the importance of early detection to prevent transmission among animals and potentially to humans.
The report aims to raise awareness among veterinarians and pet owners regarding sporotrichosis, highlighting the importance of prompt identification and treatment. Despite the rarity of such fungal infections, vigilance is essential, especially in cases where outdoor cats exhibit persistent unhealed lesions. The CDC’s findings shed light on the potential risks associated with fungal infections in pets and underscore the need for proactive veterinary care and monitoring to prevent outbreaks.