Seroprevalence of sporotrichosis infection in cats living in the Buenos Aires epizootic area

Abstract

This study aimed to perform a seroepidemiological survey on the prevalence of sporotrichosis among cats living in the Northern area of Buenos Aires, where a fourfold increase of Sporothrix brasiliensis infections was diagnosed during the last decade. For this purpose, an in-house indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test sensitized with S. brasiliensis crude antigens was used. The ELISA test showed 100% sensitivity and 95% specificity. Antibodies against S. brasiliensis antigens were detected in 3.7% (9/241) of healthy cats evaluated, suggesting likely exposure or infection to this fungus. This ELISA test would be a valuable screening tool for diagnosing sporotrichosis and for seroepidemiological surveys.