Abstract

Background:
Feline sporotrichosis, primarily caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis, is a zoonotic fungal infection with limited therapeutic options.

Aim:
This study evaluated the efficacy of ozonized sunflower oil (OSO) as an adjunct to itraconazole (ITZ) in 50 cats with sporotrichosis.

Methods:
Animals were randomized into two groups: ITZ alone (100 mg/cat once daily, n = 25) and ITZ plus topical OSO (700 meq/kg peroxide index, once daily, n = 25). Primary outcomes (wound healing time) and secondary outcomes (relapse rate) were assessed over 120 days.

Results:
Although the healing times were similar (ITZ: 29.04 ± 20.43 days; ITZ + OSO: 28.95 ± 11.41 days; p = 0.986), the ITZ + OSO group showed lower relapse rates (19.05% vs. 47.06%, p = 0.135) and delayed recurrence (48.67 vs. 27.62 days, p = 0.142). Notably, no relapses occurred in cats positive for feline immunodeficiency virus treated with ITZ + OSO (p = 0.0027).

Conclusion:
The immunomodulatory and antifungal properties of OSO may enhance therapeutic outcomes, particularly in immunocompromised animals.

Key words: Sporotrichosis; Itraconazole; Ozonized sunflower oil; Integrative therapy; Feline.