Sporotrichosis in children and teenagers at HUPE- UERJ between 1997-2010: a clinicoepidemiological study

Abstract

Since 1997, the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, faces a zoonotic epidemics of sporotrichosis. Children and adolescents are particularly affected due to close contact with sick or asymptomatic carrier cats. The skin is commonly affected with many clinical presentations. Itraconazole is considered the treatment of choice; however, potassium iodide and terbinafine are valuable therapeutic options in children. To evaluate clinical and epidemiological profile of children and adolescents affected by sporotrichosis and treated at Hupe-Uerj. Children and adolescents between 0-18 years old diagnosed with sporotrichosis were included, regardless of gender or race. Data as type of transmission, clinical presentation, affected regions and serology titers was evaluated. Most of the 37 patients were in the age group between 6 and 15 years old, with no statistical differences in terms of sex and race. The main type of transmission was through contact with cats, and the lymphocutaneous form prevailed. Potassium iodide was the most prescribed drug, and the average treatment duration was 60 days. Study results showed clinical and serology correlation.