Role of melanin in the pathogenesis of cutaneous sporotrichosis

In this study, we evaluate the clinical, histopathological and ultra structural aspects of the infection by field strain (MEL+) and mutated strain (MEL-) of Sporothrix schenckii. The development of sporotrichosis at the inoculation sites was similar for both groups of animals after the second week of the experimental period. Statistical differences appeared only at weeks 3 and 5. The pigmented isolate had greater tissue invasive capacity, promoting the formation of multifocal granulomas, whereas the albino isolate induced an enhanced inflammatory response, restraining the agent to the core of the granulomas. (C) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.