Sporothrix schenckii and its possible origins in South Africa

Abstract

Sporothrix is a genus of dimorphic fungi primarily associated with environmental habitats, though several species also cause infections in mammals. This subcutaneous infection is typically transmitted through trauma to the skin and can lead to chronic and debilitating disease. The global health implications of Sporothrix are significant, with the disease increasingly recognised as an emerging concern, particularly due to the current epidemic in South America. In South Africa, sporotrichosis holds a unique epidemiological significance, with large outbreaks in the gold mining industry previously recorded. Despite the epidemiological significance of pathogenic Sporothrix in South Africa, little is known about the species diversity and genetic variation of these pathogens in the country. This study aimed to address key ecological and epidemiological questions, particularly focusing on elucidating the environmental ecology and diversity of these pathogens in South Africa. Investigation into the presence of Sporothrix in samples collected from gold mine substrates, revealed an untapped reservoir of biodiversity in the gold mine environment. Recently developed molecular markers were applied to a population of Sporothrix species isolated from clinical samples from across South Africa. This revealed surprising species and genetic diversity among the clinical isolates, further allowing for the distribution of Sporothrix lineages across the country to be elucidated.