Contact patterns of zoonotic sporotrichosis in an endemic region of Brazil

ABSTRACT This study explored the transmission patterns of zoonotic sporotrichosis in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, focusing on human interactions with infected domestic cats. We analyzed 104 human cases diagnosed between 2016 and 2022 using a semi-structured questionnaire, randomly selected from Health Department records. Direct contact with infected cats was the primary transmission mode (86.54%), through intimate interactions like holding and sleeping together (44.23%). Most infected cats were household pets (70.20%) and showed visible clinical signs during transmission (83.65%), emphasizing the need for vigilant pet management. In over 70% of cases, contact lasted more than two hours daily. Transmission mainly occurred through scratches (51.92%), contact with fur and wounds (23.08%), and bites (11.54%), especially when giving medication or restraining the animal for veterinary care. While 94.23% of patients sought medical care after lesions appeared, many lacked proper guidance on preventing other diseases, especially rabies and tetanus, highlighting gaps in healthcare delivery. Our findings stress the necessity for improved public health strategies and education on safe cat management, and preventive measures in homes. Furthermore, they contribute to the understanding of transmission dynamics in urban areas, guiding actions for the prevention and control of this importante emerging zoonosis.