Infection by Leptospira spp. in Domestic Cats (Felis silvestris catus). A Review

Abstract

____________________________________________________________________________Resumo: Felinos domésticos (Felis silvestris catus) podem ser infectados e parasitados por diferentes patógenos. Entre eles encontram-se o gênero bacteriano Leptospira spp. que podem infectar felinos e acarretar prejuízos a homeostase do animal e consequentemente sobre seu bem-estar. O gato infectado e com uma resposta imune comprometida poderá apresentar principalmente distúrbios renais, mas também sinais hepáticos entre outros. Para controlar, diagnosticar e tratar é necessário que o Médico Veterinário tenha conhecimentos em epidemiologia, diagnóstico e tratamento de leptospirose. O presente estudo objetiva discutir os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e terapeuticos em relação à infecção por Leptospira spp. e da leptospirose. Sabe-se que o gato não é mais considerado uma espécie refratária para leptospirose, portanto, sua epidemiologia e abordagem terapêutica necessita ser mais bem esclarecida. Palavras-chave:Felino, Epidemiologia, Leptospirose, Roedores.Abstract: Domestic felines (Felis silvestris catus) can be infected and parasitized by different pathogens. Among them are the bacterial genus Leptospira spp. which can infect felines and impair the homeostasis of the animal and consequently its well-being. The infected cat with a compromised immune response may present mainly renal disorders, but also hepatic signs among others. To control, diagnose and treat it is necessary that the Veterinarian has knowledge in epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of leptospirosis. The present study aims to discuss the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects regarding the infection by Leptospira spp. and leptospirosis. It is known that the cat is no longer considered a refractory species for leptospirosis, therefore, its epidemiology and therapeutic approach needs to be better clarified.

Global prevalence and epidemiology of leptospirosis in domestic cats, a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…(5) The identification of the most prevalent serogroups/serovars is essential to determine the sources of infection and the pathogenic Leptospira that can be related to the urinary shedding. (13) Is important to consider that the selection of the serogroups/serovars to be evaluated by serology depends on the geographical location, therefore, a MAT panel should be constructed based on the knowledge of the frequency of presentation the serogroups locally (45) and although the MAT have a good diagnostic specificity, the significance of a titer in a single sample depends on the frequency of the residual titers due to past infections (48) Since crossreactions are common, serogroups should be used only to give a broad idea of the common serogroups present in a population. (49) Moreover, a reaction with an individual serovar selected for use as an antigen representing a serogroup cannot be considered to suggest an infection with the serovar tested but, rather, infection with only an antigenically similar serovar of the same serogroup.…”

“…(43) Regarding leptospira, each country, region or city have epidemiological particularities related to maintenance and incidental hosts, climatic characteristics, and anthropogenic activities, which influence the risk of the disease. (13) In humans, the infection, and outbreaks or even epidemics of leptospirosis are influenced by the interaction of environmental factors and the diversity of serogroups / serovars. (56) Indirect diagnostic tests based on serology detect antibodies against Leptospira that can persist for long time, but do not necessary reflect present infections, while direct diagnostic tests identify the infectious agent itself.…”

“…The potential of leptospiruria does exist in cats and although there is no report of leptospirosis transmission from cats to humans, this possibility cannot be ruled out. (5,13) Sanhueza et al (61) stated that veterinarians spending from 50 % to 75 % of their time working with dogs or cats had more risk of being seropositive. Moreover, Barmettler et al (62) specified that seropositivity to leptospira among veterinary staff and pet owners exposed to dogs with acute leptospirosis can be infrequent if people follow standard hygiene protocols, however, updated epidemiologic research such as cross sectional and cohort studies are needed to increase scientific evidence regarding this.…”

Seroprevalence of pathogenic Leptospira serogroups in asymptomatic domestic dogs and cats: systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Despite this, further research on the serovars associated with both clinical and subclinical infections is still necessary. Domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) are also environmentally exposed to pathogenic leptospires due to their rodent hunting habits and, in many areas of the world, by their free-roaming lifestyle (9)(10)(11)(12). Because cats are less likely to present clinical signs than dogs (3,13), fewer studies have been conducted to investigate the clinical manifestations associated with all the serovars reported in this species or to understand the epidemiology of infection.…”