[Presence of lactoferrin (LF) in lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis. Yeast-bound antimicrobial peptide].

Sporotrichosis is a common subcutaneous mycosis in Latin America, produced by dimorphic fungi belong to Sporothrix schenckii complex of cryptic species. Infection is acquired by traumatic inoculation with contaminated organic material. Host immune response includes polymorphonuclear neutrophils chemotaxis and release of granular components. Lactoferrin is a protein member of the transferrin family of iron-binding proteins, present inside polymorphonuclear granular structure, and has been reported to affect growth and development of infectious agents, including fungal organisms. Nevertheless, lactoferrin expression in sporotrichosis infections has not been reported yet.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression of lactoferrin using immunohistochemical staining in sporotrichosis human infection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The dermatology department's files during a period of five years were reviewed; cases with a diagnosis of sporotrichosis were selected and lactoferrin immunostaining was performed when enough biological material was available.

RESULTS: Three cases with a diagnosis of sporotrichosis and adequate biological material on paraffin block were identified. In all cases, lactoferrin immunostaining was positive around yeast cell.