(ID13) Investigation of Anti - Leptospira spp. Antibodies and Leptospiruria in Cats

Abstract: Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis that affects humans and animals worldwide. The transmission of the disease occurs from direct or indirect contact with urine, water, or tissues infected by Leptospira spp. Clinical signs may vary depending on the serovar and the host involved, besides to the geographic location. Currently, it is known that felines can become infected and act as reservoirs for the disease.

The objectives of this study were 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. Cats were prospectively selected in a teaching hospital in Brazil from October 2020 to January 2021.

A total of 76 cats were included in the study, 33 with clinical signs previously associated with leptospirosis infection in the species and 43 asymptomatic ones. The frequency of anti-Leptospira spp. in serum samples was 9.2% (7/76). The serovars butembo, icterohaemorrhagiae and tarassovi were observed with antibody titers of 1:200 in the asymptomatic group, while in the symptomatic group the pomona serovar showed the same titer. A positive sample of Leptospira spp. DNA in urine was found, representing a frequency of 1.3% (1/76) among the investigated animals. This cat was included in the group of symptomatic cats, and the main complaint was vomiting. The risk factors, clinical data and laboratory tests of positive animals showed no significant association with the results of serological and molecular diagnosis. Infection with Leptospira spp. and leptospiruria occurs in cats in Brazil.