Investigação epidemiológica da esporotricose na região metropolitana de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil.

Abstract

This study aimed to collect information provided by tutors and protectors of animals affected by sporotrichosis in the city of João Pessoa-PB and metropolitan region. Caused by fungi of the genus Sporothrix, this zoonotic disease is capable of infecting through bites, scratches or any traumatic maneuver that penetrates the skin tissue. Dogs, especially cats, are instrument for spreading the disease that originates in soil and plants. The investigative research was conducted with questionnaires and had the participation of 59 animal tutors, who had 92 animals with sporotrichosis, 88 (95.7%) cats and 4 (4.3%) dogs. Non-castrated animals with free access to the street and the presence of wasteland in the vicinity were determinant epidemiological factors for the presence of the disease. In the metropolitan region of João Pessoa, state of Paraíba, cases of diseases between animals and humans have reached unexpectedly serious proportions, highlighting the need to promote knowledge for the population, especially the poor ones, and the urgency to implement control programs in the county.