Investigation of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies and leptospiruria in cats attended to a veterinary teaching hospital in southern Brazil

• Published in: Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases Vol. 107; p. 102138
• Main Authors: Paim, Mirela Grünwalder, Rivas, Bárbara Basseggio, Sebastião, Grasiele Amorim, Kaefer, Kauana, Rodrigues, Rogério Oliveira, Mayer, Fabiana Quoos, Nunes, Luciana Neves, Costa, Fernanda Vieira Amorim da
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2024
• Subjects: Domestic cats; Leptospirosis; Microscopic agglutination test; Molecular diagnosis; Zoonosis; Leptospirosis; Microscopic agglutination test; Molecular diagnosis; Zoonosis; Domestic cats
• ISSN: 0147-9571; 1878-1667
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2024.102138

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis that affects both humans and animals worldwide. Currently, it is known that cats may be susceptible to infection. This study aims to investigate the presence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies and leptospiruria in cats, using Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) and Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques, respectively. A total of 76 cats, undergoing comprehensive anamnesis, general physical examination, and complementary exams were included in the investigation. Among the 76 cats tested, 9.2% (7/76) exhibited the presence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies, while Leptospira spp. DNA was detected in at 1.3% (1/76) of the evaluated urine samples. No significant associations were observed between the serological and molecular diagnostic results and the assessed variables, including clinical data and laboratory results of cats testing positive. This study provides insight into the occurrence of Leptospira spp. infection and leptospiruria in cats treated at a veterinary teaching hospital in southern Brazil. •Infection with Leptospira spp. and leptospiruria occur in cats attended to a veterinary teaching hospital in southern Brazil.•Currently, it is known that cats may be susceptible to infection.•The maintenanceof the Leptospira spp. in cats is underestimated.