Top in ID: Cat-transmitted sporotrichosis; hybrid COVID-19 immunity

Sporotrichosis, a fungal infection being transmitted by feral cats, is a potential threat on the CDC’s radar.

Cats carry high loads of Sporothrix brasiliensis that are easily transmitted to other animals and humans via bites and scratches, contact with lesions, droplet exposure and inhalation, according to the CDC.

“A cat can shake its head and the spores can fly and land on your skin and you can become infected,” Tom M. Chiller, MD, MPHTM, chief of the CDC’s Mycotic Diseases Branch, told Healio. “That's unheard of for these types of fungi. It's a bit freaky that this organism has the ability now to be infectious in this other form. That concerns me.”

As of now, no human-to-human transmission has been documented, according to Chiller.

It was the top story in infectious disease last week.

In another top story, study results showed that hybrid COVID-19 immunity is more effective at preventing infection and severe disease than vaccination alone among people with HIV.

Read these and more top stories in infectious disease below:

Cat-transmitted sporotrichosis: A looming threat?

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COVID-19 hybrid immunity more protective than vaccination alone among people with HIV

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Advancements in Zika virus vaccine development

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‘Essential first step’: HIV study demonstrates potential of long-acting ART in Africa

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Hospital-onset bacteremia, fungemia common among patients with UTI

Non-catheter-associated hospital-onset were a common source for hospital-onset bacteremia and fungemia and associated with longer hospital stays and higher hospital costs, researchers found. Read more.