Clinical Epidemiology of Sporotrichosis in Jilin Province, China (1990–2019): A Series of 4969 Cases

INTRODUCTION: This study was aimed to examine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of sporotrichosis in China and specifically Jilin Province, which is one of the areas with the highest incidence worldwide, and to provide data support for the global prevalence of sporotrichosis. METHODS: A total of 4969 cases of sporotrichosis diagnosed at the Second Hospital of Jilin University from January 1, 1990 to December 31, 2019 were collected. RESULTS: In Jilin Province, the male-to-female ratio was 1:2, the average age at onset was 48 ± 1 years, and the average disease duration was 4.8 ± 2.7 months. The most susceptible individuals were farmers. Cases occurred more commonly in the winter and spring (71.5%) than in the summer and autumn (28.5%). The fixed type infection was more prevalent. Among the cases, 64.8% showed typical mycological changes, and 77.6% showed atypical pathological changes. Regarding the epidemiological characteristics of sporotrichosis in China, 6565 cases were retrieved from the literature from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2019. Among them, the most affected area was Jilin Province, followed by Heilongjiang Province, and Liaoning Province. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.46. The fixed type infection was the most common. A total of 241 strains were identified by molecular biotechnology; among these, 217 were identified as Sporothrix globosa and 24 were identified as S. schenckii sensu stricto. DISCUSSION: The results add clarity to the clinical epidemiology of sporotrichosis in China and specifically Jilin Province. We believe these data will help improve the epidemiology knowledge of sporotrichosis worldwide.