Sporotrichosis: An Infectious Emerging Mycosis of Zoonotic Potential

Mycotic diseases are being recognized as an important global public health problem of considerable dimension. These diseases occur in sporadic as well as in epidemic form, resulting in high morbidity and mortality.

Among several mycoses, sporotrichosis, caused by a thermo-dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii, has emerged as an infectious disease in certain regions of the world. The pathogen infects a wide variety of animals, but the cat is recognized as the pertinent source of sporotrichosis to humans.

Humans usually acquire infection following traumatic inoculation of fungal contaminated materials or through bites and scratches by diseased cat. It is predominantly a disease of young people who have frequent contact with saprobic reservoirs.

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Human-Sloth Bear Conflict: Causes and Mitigation Measures in Kota,Rajasthan

The sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) is now considered as endangered by IUCN red list of 2011. In wild habitat it is considered as the most dangerous wild animal because it is unpredictable and often attacks on human in forests.

In the present investigation human sloth bear conflicts were studied in Kota district of Rajasthan, using forest department records, interviews with villagers and surveys within sloth bear habitat. Most of the casualties can be reduced by restricting human entries into sloth bear habitats, avoiding camping and housing in their habitats especially near water sources.

Road accidents are also very common in the present study area as there is a National Highway near the forest area. Active management with local inhabitants will support the conservation of sloth bear.