Classic renal syndrome of leptospirosis in a feline: case report

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonosis with worldwide prevalence, caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Clinical manifestations vary depending on the host and the infecting strain. The role of cats as susceptible hosts and potential environmental reservoirs of Leptospira remains poorly understood, largely due to the lack of clinical signs typically associated with infection in this species. This study aimed to describe the case of a 6-year-old cat, treated at the University Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, which presented the classic renal syndrome associated with leptospirosis. The animal was semi domesticated and had occasional contact with rodents and other cats. It was also reported that another animal from the same household had recently died showing similar clinical signs. Dark-field microscopy of the urine was performed and yielded a positive result for spirochetes. A Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) was subsequently conducted, showing reactivity to the serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae, Castellonis, Pyrogenes, Autumnalis, Hebdomadis, and Celledoni, with a titer of 1:100. Based on the clinical presentation, history, and complementary test results, treatment for leptospirosis was initiated, leading to the recovery of the animal. Considering these findings and from a One Health perspective, further studies are necessary to better understand the pathogenesis of leptospirosis in cats and their epidemiological role as environmental sentinels or potential carriers of pathogenic Leptospira species.