Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous infection caused by fungi of the genus Sporothrix , acquired through traumatic inoculation of contaminated organic material or, more frequently, through scratches and bites from infected cats. Adaptation to tropical climates and socio-environmental conditions has favored its spread across all regions of Brazil, leading to its inclusion in the National Compulsory Notification List in 2025. This study describes the epidemiological profile of human sporotrichosis cases reported in Santa Catarina (SC) from 2022 to 2024. A descriptive study of confirmed sporotrichosis cases reported in SC between 2022 and 2024 was conducted. Sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment variables collected by the Santa Catarina Epidemiological Surveillance Directorate were organized in an electronic spreadsheet and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Incidence per 100,000 inhabitants by municipality was represented in a thematic map developed in Datawrapper, using IBGE population estimates as the denominator. A total of 148 confirmed sporotrichosis cases were analyzed. Mean age was 41.4 years (±19.2). Most patients were female (73%), White (82%), and had completed secondary education (56%). Clinical cure was recorded in 53% of cases; there was one death from an unrelated cause, and other outcomes were not updated. Itraconazole was the most commonly used treatment (67%). The main type of exposure was contact with cats (71.2% women and 28.8% men), primarily as caregivers or owners, through scratches, bites, or contact with lesions. Notifications occurred throughout all months, with peaks in October, December, and March. The year with the highest number of reported cases was 2023 (51), followed by 2024 (49) and 2022 (18). Içara, Rio Rufino, São José do Cerrito, and Itajaí presented the highest cumulative rates (>15/100,000 inhabitants), with the highest incidence observed in Içara (45.9/100,000). This study shows that sporotrichosis in Santa Catarina follows the national increasing trend, predominantly affecting women and with transmission mainly through scratches and bites from cats. The predominant use of itraconazole in 63% of cases highlights adherence to SUS-recommended therapy. The increase in cases in 2023 and 2024 indicates weaknesses in surveillance and reinforces the importance of integrated strategies for zoonosis control in the state.
Carvalho et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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