Guanajuato, Gto., September 4, 2017.- Researchers of the Department of Biology of the University of Guanajuato (UG) focuses their efforts in the analysis and study of Sporotrichosis, illness originated by the fungus called Sporothrix, which affects the population of several cities in the state of Guanajuato.

Dr. Héctor Manuel Mora Montes, professor and researcher of the Division of Natural and Exact Sciences of Campus Guanajuato, explained that Sporotrichosis is considered an occupational infection, "because people have direct contact with soil or vegetables, they can become infected."

"If there is any traumatic contact with fungus contaminated material, for example, a pinch with a thorn that has the fungus on its surface, it inoculates and starts an inflammatory process in the subcutaneous tissue, that was the traditional way to get infected."

Sporotrichosis is an infectious disease, generally of the skin, but can also infect lungs, bone and brain.

However, he mentioned what the actual research reveals, "is that part of the disease is also being contagious through the touch with animals; cats are highly susceptible to get infected and the contact between human and cat cause the contagion, we're talking about a zoonosis."

Mora Montes, affirms that Sporotrichosis is more common in the Bajío and the most number of cases are found in the cities of Irapuato, Dolores Hidalgo, Acámbaro, Doctor Mora, which are cities with agricultural activity.

With the purpose to reinforce the research about this illness, and the fungus that causes it, the University of Guanajuato will host the 2th International Congress on Sporothrix and Sporotrichosis, on September 11 and 12, 2017, in the auditorium of the Language School of the Division of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Dr. Gustavo Alexis Niño Vega, professor and researcher of the Department of Biology and a member of the organizing committee of the event, explained that for two days, they will have the attendance of scholars in the subject from: United States, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, India, China, Japan and various cities of Mexico.

"There will be a series of conferences by the guests, and there will be a space where the worldwide researchers will share their most recent progress. Also, students who work in laboratories where the disease is being studied, will share their research through posters", mentioned Dr. Niño Vega.

With this international congress, "we hope to obtain new ideas and more precise information on epidemiology and begin to explore the possible alternatives for the treatment and try to identify the disease in early stages."

This event is held every four years and the first edition was held in Brazil.