09/08/2023
In the past, experts believed that cats were not susceptible to leptospirosis infection, but it has been demonstrated that cats do get infected and are capable of developing antibodies.
Feline leptospirosis was first described in 1972; however, reports of clinical disease in pet cats have always been rare. The infection has been associated with the consumption of infected prey, with outdoor cats being at increased risk of infection.
Some cats with antibodies against Leptospira species have been found to have signs associated with kidney disease and/or histopathological evidence of kidney inflammation. Through PCR, several studies have shown renal carriage of Leptospira species (with an epidemiological study confirming the presence of Leptospira DNA in the urine of cats for more than 8 months after infection). Therefore, cats can be chronic reservoir hosts for the bacteria and a possible risk factor for infection for other mammalian species.
The pathogenesis of leptospirosis in cats remains unknown, although it is assumed to be similar to that in humans and dogs. The best treatment for cats is undefined, with specific and supportive therapeutic recommendations extrapolated only from dogs.
The main serovars belong to serogroups Australis, Autumnalis, Canicola and Sejroe, although there are geographical variations.
Read in detail:
(1) Murillo, A., Goris, M., Ahmed, A., Cuenca, R., & Pastor, J. (2020). Leptospirosis in cats: Current literature review to guide diagnosis and management. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 22(3), 216–228. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612x20903601
(2) Sykes, J. E., Hartmann, K., Lunn, K. F., Moore, G. E., Stoddard, R. A., & Goldstein, R. E. (2010). 2010 ACVIM small animal consensus statement on leptospirosis: Diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment, and prevention. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 25(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2010.0654.x
(3) Shell, L. & Rothrock, K. (2019). Leptospirosis (Zoonotic) (Feline). VINcyclopedia of Diseases. VIN
(4) Allen, D. (2022). Leptospirosis in Cats. MSD Veterinary Manual. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/disorders-affecting-multiple-body-systems-of-cats/leptospirosis-in-c