Análise espacial dos casos de esporotricose em Natal/RN: influência do transtorno de acúmulo de animais

Abstract

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous fungal infection caused by fungi of the Sporothrix sp. complex. Considered endemic in Brazil, it has become an increasing concern in Natal due to a significant rise in cases in recent years. Zoonotic transmission, the primary mode of contagion, occurs through direct contact with contaminated secretions or accidents during the handling of sick animals. This study conducted a spatial analysis of sporotrichosis cases in Natal, Brazil, during the years 2022 and 2023, not only considering the geographic distribution of cases but also assessing the number of cases with the presence of animal hoarders in the most affected neighborhoods. Generalized linear models (GLMs) with Poisson distribution were employed to investigate the relationship between the number of cases in humans and felines, as well as the impact of the number of animal hoarders over the years. In the analyses conducted, it was observed that there was no significant variation in human cases over the years. However, there was a notable increase in the number of feline cases, especially in 2023. There was a correlation between the increase in feline cases and the corresponding increase in human cases. Furthermore, it was observed that the number of animal hoarders also increased, which had an additional impact on human cases. These results suggest a possible relationship between feline cases, the presence of animal hoarders, and the incidence of human cases.