Abstract:
Sporotrichosis is a disease that arises from a fungal infection caused by members of the Ascomycete genus Sporothrix. The disease
has a unique history in South Africa, due to an association with gold mines, where large numbers of mine workers were
infected in the 1930s and 1940s. This was likely driven by hot humid conditions and timber supports used in these mine shafts.
Furthermore, the disease is the most common subcutaneous fungal infection amongst the general population in South Africa,
and the large number of immunocompromised individuals increases the public health risk in the country. Sporothrix is a genus in
the Ophiostomatales, a fungal order primarily associated with environmental habitats. Unsurprisingly, sporotrichosis therefore
has a documented history of sapronotic transmission from contaminated plant material. This review provides insights into the
understanding of sporotrichosis and Sporothrix species, with a particular emphasis on the South African situation. We highlight
knowledge gaps, particularly regarding the ecological factors influencing the occurrence and distribution of these species, which
in turn affect the patterns of sporotrichosis. We also emphasise a need for ongoing proactive research and surveillance to prevent
future outbreaks of sporotrichosis, an emerging disease with growing health implications worldwide.
