RNA-Seq of Sporothrix brasiliensis causing erythema nodosum

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis with a worldwide distribution and is endemic in Latin America. It is caused by thermally dimorphic fungi of the genus Sporothrix, specially Sporothrix brasiliensis, which is the most virulent species and frequently associated with atypical clinical presentations such as hypersensitivity manifestations, like erythema nodosum (EN), erythema multiforme, reactive arthritis, and Sweet's syndrome. This study aims to evaluate differences in gene expression patterns between isolates of S. brasiliensis from patients with sporotrichosis, with and without EN, treated at INI-Fiocruz (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). After approval by the Research Ethics Committee of INI, patients were recruited during routine care, and fungi from their lesions were isolated. Upon molecular identification of S. brasiliensis, RNA from the isolates was extracted for sequencing (RNA-Seq). The study of the transcriptome combined with the proteomics of this species can elucidate antigenic factors, mechanisms in the pathogenesis of the fungus and its interaction with the host, providing answers to questions about the ability of S. brasiliensis to stimulate the occurrence of EN in humans with sporotrichosis.