SPOROTHRIX-SCHENCKII ISOLATED FROM A CAT IN JAPAN

A yeast-like fungus isolated from a granulomatous and ulcerative skin lesion in a mongrel cat was mycologically examined. The isolate was id entified as Sporothrix schenckii from the morphological findings and i ts pathogenicity in a mouse, confirming the first case of feline sporo trichosis in Japan. Fortunately, no transmission to humans occurred in this case, however the risk of humans contracting Sporothrix schencki i infection increases with the increase in the number of animals with sporotrichosis. Consequently when handling such animals protective clo thing such as gloves should be worn to reduce the risk of transmission of the fungus through open wounds.