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Miotto BA, Camelo QC, Grolla ACMM, de Oliveira ABM, Silva MMB, Hagiwara MK, Esteves SB. Current knowledge on leptospirosis in cats: A systematic review with metanalysis on direct detection, serological response, and clinical data. Res Vet Sci 2024; 174:105292. [PMID: 38759347 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a neglected bacterial zoonosis that affects a wide range of mammals, with important implications from a One Health perspective. Over the past years feline leptospirosis has gained increased attention in the scientific community. Here we describe a systematic review with meta-analysis that followed the PRISMA guidelines, with an additional PROSPERO registration. The study provides global seropositivity, urinary shedding rates, global serogroup distribution, descriptive data of leptospires that had been isolated from cats and clinical and laboratory features presented by symptomatic cats with acute disease. The search was carried out in six different databases, with the identification of 79 reports describing leptospiral infection in cats. The pooled frequency of seroreactive cats was 11% (95% CI: 9%-13%), with Javanica and Pomona as the most frequent serogroups found. Frequency for urinary shedding was 8% (95% CI: 5%-10%), with L. interrogans identified in most samples. A total of 16 isolates were isolated from cats, with Bataviae as the most frequent serogroup. Twenty symptomatic cats with confirmed leptospiral infection were identified. Anorexia, lethargy, polydipsia, and bleeding disorders were the clinical signs most frequently reported. The results suggest that cats from some locations are exposed to leptospires and may act as urinary shedders of this pathogen, thus indicating a possible role of this species in disease transmission. Clinical data indicates that acute infection is mostly atypical when compared to dogs, and due to difficulties to define an archetypal clinical presentation in cats, feline leptospirosis is likely to be underdiagnosed disease in this species.
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Paim MG, Rivas BB, Sebastião GA, Kaefer K, Rodrigues RO, Mayer FQ, Nunes LN, Costa FVAD. Investigation of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies and leptospiruria in cats attended to a veterinary teaching hospital in southern Brazil. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 107:102138. [PMID: 38367297 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2024.102138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Grünwalder Paim
- Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Bárbara Basseggio Rivas
- Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Grasiele Amorim Sebastião
- Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Kauana Kaefer
- Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rogério Oliveira Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Leptospirose, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Quoos Mayer
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luciana Neves Nunes
- Instituto de Matemática, Departamento de Estatística, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Vieira Amorim da Costa
- Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Murillo A, Pastor J, Serrano E, Tvarijonaviciute A, Cerón J, Goris M, Ahmed A, Cuenca R. Acute phase proteins and total antioxidant capacity in free-roaming cats infected by pathogenic leptospires. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:148. [PMID: 37679743 PMCID: PMC10483874 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03697-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospirosis is a neglected but widespread zoonotic disease throughout the world. Most mammals are hosts of Leptospira spp., including domestic cats, species in which no consensus has been reached on the clinical presentation or diagnosis of the disease. The study of acute-phase proteins (APPs) and biomarkers of oxidative status would contribute to knowledge about the disease in cats. This report evaluated four APPs: Serum amyloid A-SAA, Haptoglobin-Hp, albumin and Paraoxonase 1-PON1 and the antioxidant response through Total Antioxidant Capacity-TAC, in 32 free-roaming cats. Cats were classified as seroreactive for anti-leptospiral antibodies (group 1, n = 8), infected with Leptospira spp (group 2, n = 5) and leptospires-free cats (group 3, n = 19). RESULTS SAA differences were observed between groups 1 and 2 (p-value = 0.01) and between groups 2 and 3 (p-value = 0.0001). Hp concentration differences were only detected between groups 2 and 3 (p-value = 0.001). Albumin concentrations only differed between groups 1 and 3 (p-value = 0.017) and 2 and 3 (p-value < 0.005). Cats in groups 1 (p-value < 0.005) and 2 (p-value < 0.005) had lower PON1 concentrations than group 3. No statistically significant differences between pairs of groups were detected for TAC concentrations. The principal component analysis (PCA) retained two principal components, (PC1 and PC2), explaining 60.1% of the observed variability of the inflammatory proteins and the antioxidant TAC. CONCLUSIONS Increases in Serum SAA, Hp, and decreases in PON1 activity may indicate an active inflammatory state in infected cats (currently or recently infected).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Murillo
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WE&H), Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, 08193, Spain.
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, 08193, Spain.
| | - Josep Pastor
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WE&H), Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Emmanuel Serrano
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WE&H), Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Asta Tvarijonaviciute
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - José Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Marga Goris
- OIE and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis (NRL), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Ahmed Ahmed
- OIE and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis (NRL), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Rafaela Cuenca
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WE&H), Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, 08193, Spain
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Ricardo T, Azócar-Aedo L, Signorini M, Previtali MA. Leptospiral infection in domestic cats: Systematic review with meta-analysis. Prev Vet Med 2023; 212:105851. [PMID: 36706556 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The role of domestic cats in the transmission of Leptospira is controversial, being considered either as a protective factor or a potential source of infection for humans. The aims of this study were to obtain an integrated estimate of the prevalence of leptospiral infection in domestic cats, and to characterize those individuals most susceptible to infection. For this systematic review and meta-analysis, five electronic databases, as well as the reference lists of eligible reports were screened for observational studies published during 1979-2022. The overall prevalence of leptospiral antibodies and of pathogenic Leptospira in kidney/urine was estimated using three-level meta-analysis models. To investigate potential sources of heterogeneity, moderator analyses was performed using the sampling year, health status, living environment, and origin of the cats. The odds-ratio (OR) of potential risk factors was estimated using random-effects meta-analysis models for binary outcomes. The literature search identified 61 eligible publications, containing 114 effect estimates. The overall seroprevalence was 11.7 % (95 % CI: 9.3-14.6 %), the prevalence of leptospires in urine was 3.7 % (95 % CI: 1.7-8.1 %), and the prevalence of leptospires in kidney tissue was 12.8 % (95 % CI: 3.2-39.9 %). There were no significant differences in the estimated prevalence after removing articles with medium risk of bias. Seroprevalence was higher in Europe when compared to Latin America and the Caribbean (P = 0.047) and showed a mild decrease over time (P = 0.023). Outdoor cats had almost three times greater probabilities of infection with Leptospira (OR: 2.74, 95 % CI: 1.10-6.84). No other significant effect was detected among the tested moderators or potential risk factors (P > 0.05). Results suggest that feline leptospirosis should receive particular attention in veterinary care, as exposure to leptospires can occur in approximately 1 in every 10 cats, and more frequently in cats with street access. Domestic cats should be considered as potential Leptospira carriers when designing public health strategies for the control and prevention of leptospirosis. Further investigation is required to improve knowledge of the role of these animals in the environmental transmission cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Ricardo
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Colectora Ruta Nac. Nº 168, Km. 0, Paraje El Pozo, Santa Fe, Argentina; Dpto. de Cs. Naturales, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria, Paraje El Pozo, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Lucía Azócar-Aedo
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Universidad San Sebastián, Sede de la Patagonia, Chile
| | - Marcelo Signorini
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Colectora Ruta Nac. Nº 168, Km. 0, Paraje El Pozo, Santa Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, R.P. Kreder 2805, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Andrea Previtali
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Colectora Ruta Nac. Nº 168, Km. 0, Paraje El Pozo, Santa Fe, Argentina; Dpto. de Cs. Naturales, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ciudad Universitaria, Paraje El Pozo, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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Leptospira spp. Prevalence in Cats from Southern Italy with Evaluation of Risk Factors for Exposure and Clinical Findings in Infected Cats. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101129. [PMID: 36297186 PMCID: PMC9609655 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease, but feline leptospirosis is rarely reported. This study aimed at investigating Leptospira spp. prevalence in cats from southern Italy, evaluating risk factors, clinical findings and laboratory data associated with infection. The serum of 112 cats was investigated by microscopic agglutination test (MAT), detecting anti-Leptospira antibodies against 14 pathogenic serovars. Blood and urine samples were tested by a real-time polymerase chain reaction targeting the lipL32 gene of pathogenic Leptospira. Antibodies against serovars Poi, Bratislava, Arborea, Ballum, Pomona and Lora were detected in 15.3% (17/111) of cats (titers range: 20-320). Leptospira spp. DNA was found in 3% (4/109) of blood and 9% (10/111) of urine samples. The spring season was the only risk factor for urinary Leptospira DNA shedding. Laboratory abnormalities significantly associated and/or correlated with Leptospira spp. positivity were anemia, monocytosis, neutrophilia, eosinopenia, increased alanine aminotransferase activity, hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia. In the investigated areas, cats are frequently infected by Leptospira spp. and can represent an additional reservoir or sentinel for a risk of infection. Moreover, some laboratory changes could be compatible with a pathogenic effect of Leptospira spp. in the feline host.
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Azócar-Aedo L, Monti G. Seroprevalence of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in domestic dogs from southern Chile and risk factors associated with different environments. Prev Vet Med 2022; 206:105707. [PMID: 35835048 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a neglected and severe zoonotic bacterial disease that affects canine populations worldwide, and it is present in animals from different settings, such as urban and rural environments. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted on owned domestic dogs from urban and rural origins in southern Chile. The study aimed: 1) to estimate the true prevalence of pathogenic Leptospira in dogs from urban and rural environments in southern Chile, 2) to determine the serovars circulating in an endemic area of Chile, 3) to assess potential risk factors associated with seropositivity in dogs from urban and rural environments. Blood samples from 706 canines were collected, and the serum was tested with Micro-Agglutination-Test (MAT), using a panel of 13 serovars. A Bayesian approach was applied to estimate True prevalence (TP). In addition, dog owners answered a questionnaire that had prompts regarding dog characteristics and potential risk factors. The effect of these factors on the risk of being infected was analysed using a logistic regression model. The TP for urban dogs was 9.4% and 9.1% for rural animals. However, seroprevalence was higher in dogs with different individual, lifestyle, and habitat characteristics regarding their origin. For example, in urban animals, those living in places with rodents roaming near houses and dogs with rodent hunting habits had decreased risk for the seropositivity in MAT. On the other hand, in rural dogs, those of a recognized breed, with contact with cattle and sheep, living with more than one cat at home and living in places close to natural water sources have more risk to seropositivity in MAT. The presence of anti-Leptospira antibodies is widespread in pet dogs in urban and rural environments in southern Chile, and individual, lifestyle and habitat characteristics of the animals, according to the origin, are associated with the seropositivity in MAT. Therefore, the adoption of preventive measures is urgent, in addition to increase the awareness either in public health institutions, practitioners and companion animals' owners, considering the zoonotic potential of Leptospira infection and the close contact between people and their pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Azócar-Aedo
- Escuela de Graduados, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, PO box 567, Valdivia, Chile.
| | - Gustavo Monti
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, PO box 567, Valdivia, Chile.
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Putz EJ, Andreasen CB, Stasko JA, Fernandes LGV, Palmer MV, Rauh MJ, Nally JE. Circulating Foamy Macrophages in the Golden Syrian Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) Model of Leptospirosis. J Comp Pathol 2021; 189:98-109. [PMID: 34886992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a world-wide zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira and can be asymptomatic or can cause clinical signs ranging from influenza-like to multi-organ failure and death in severe cases. While species and strain specificity can play a major role in disease presentation, the hamster is susceptible to most leptospiral infections and is the model of choice for vaccine efficacy testing. During evaluation of blood smears from hamsters challenged with different species and strains of Leptospira, a circulating population of large, mononuclear, lipid-filled cells, most similar to foamy macrophages (FMs), was detected. Circulating FMs were identified by Giemsa staining and verified by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. FMs were found in the circulating blood of all Leptospira-challenged hamsters, indicating that the finding was not species or strain specific, although higher numbers of FMs tended to correlate with severity of disease. The unique finding of circulating FMs in the hamster model of leptospirosis can yield additional insights into the pathogenesis of leptospirosis and other diseases that induce circulating FMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie J Putz
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa, USA.
| | - Claire B Andreasen
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Judith A Stasko
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Luis G V Fernandes
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa, USA; Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mitchell V Palmer
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Michael J Rauh
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, USDA Agriculture Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa, USA
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Kakita T, Kuba Y, Kyan H, Okano S, Morita M, Koizumi N. Molecular and serological epidemiology of Leptospira infection in cats in Okinawa Island, Japan. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10365. [PMID: 33990653 PMCID: PMC8121857 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89872-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. Cats have been reported to be infected with Leptospira spp. and shed the bacteria in the urine. However, the importance of cats as an infection source for humans remains unclear. In this study, Leptospira infection in cats in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, where leptospirosis is endemic, was investigated by leptospiral antibody and DNA detection using microscopic agglutination test and nested PCR, respectively. Moreover, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) were conducted on the Leptospira borgpetersenii serogroup Javanica isolated from cats, black rats, a mongoose, and humans. Anti-Leptospira antibodies were detected in 16.6% (40/241) of the cats tested, and the predominant reactive serogroup was Javanica. The leptospiral flaB gene was detected in 7.1% (3/42) of cat urine samples, and their sequences were identical and identified as L. borgpetersenii. MLST and WGS revealed the genetic relatedness of L. borgpetersenii serogroup Javanica isolates. This study indicated that most seropositive cats had antibodies against the serogroup Javanica and that cats excreted L. borgpetersenii in the urine after infection. Further, genetic relatedness between cat and human isolates suggests that cats may be a maintenance host for L. borgpetersenii serogroup Javanica and a source for human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Kakita
- Department of Biological Sciences, Okinawa Prefectural Institute of Health and Environment, 17-1 Kanekadan, Uruma-shi, Okinawa, 904-2241, Japan.
| | - Yumani Kuba
- Department of Biological Sciences, Okinawa Prefectural Institute of Health and Environment, 17-1 Kanekadan, Uruma-shi, Okinawa, 904-2241, Japan
| | - Hisako Kyan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Okinawa Prefectural Institute of Health and Environment, 17-1 Kanekadan, Uruma-shi, Okinawa, 904-2241, Japan
| | - Sho Okano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Okinawa Prefectural Institute of Health and Environment, 17-1 Kanekadan, Uruma-shi, Okinawa, 904-2241, Japan
- Regional Health Division, Department of Public Health and Medical Care, Okinawa Prefectural Government, 1-2-2 Izumizaki, Naha-shi, Okinawa, 900-8570, Japan
| | - Masatomo Morita
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Disease, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan
| | - Nobuo Koizumi
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Disease, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan
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Biscornet L, de Comarmond J, Bibi J, Mavingui P, Dellagi K, Tortosa P, Pagès F. An Observational Study of Human Leptospirosis in Seychelles. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:999-1008. [PMID: 32700658 PMCID: PMC7470538 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A 1-year population-based prospective study was launched in Seychelles, a country with one of the highest human incidence of leptospirosis worldwide, to describe the characteristic features of the epidemiology of the disease and highlight the most prominent risk factors. Diagnosis was based on the IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, microscopic agglutination test, and real-time PCR. A standardized questionnaire was administered to 219 patients aged ≥ 13 years consulting for acute febrile illness. The high incidence of leptospirosis in Seychelles was confirmed. The disease was particularly severe, as the case fatality rate was 11.8%. Leptospirosis was positively associated in univariate analysis with socio-professional and clinical variables including gardening/farming, oliguria, jaundice, conjunctivitis, history of hepatitis C virus infection, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and/or biological renal failure. Epidemiological analyses of the questionnaires highlighted a link of the disease with living in houses (versus apartment), the presence of animals around and in houses, gardening, and misuse of personal protective equipment. Multivariate analyses indicated that being a farmer/landscaper and having cattle and cats around the home are the most significant drivers of leptospirosis. Biological features most associated with leptospirosis were thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, high values for renal function tests, and elevated total bilirubin. We report changes in behavior and exposure compared with data collected on leptospirosis 25 years ago, with indication that healthcare development has lowered case fatality. Continuous health education campaigns are recommended as well as further studies to clarify the epidemiology of human leptospirosis, especially the role of domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Biscornet
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Unit, Seychelles Public Health Laboratory, Public Health Authority, Ministry of Health, Victoria, Seychelles.,Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), INSERM U 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, France
| | - Jeanine de Comarmond
- Disease Surveillance and Response Unit, Epidemiology and Statistics Section, Public Health Authority, Ministry of Health, Victoria, Seychelles
| | - Jastin Bibi
- Disease Surveillance and Response Unit, Epidemiology and Statistics Section, Public Health Authority, Ministry of Health, Victoria, Seychelles
| | - Patrick Mavingui
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), INSERM U 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, France
| | - Koussay Dellagi
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), INSERM U 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, France
| | - Pablo Tortosa
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), INSERM U 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Plateforme de Recherche CYROI, Sainte Clotilde, France
| | - Frédéric Pagès
- Regional Office of the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (Santé Publique France), Saint-Denis, France
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Dorsch R, Ojeda J, Salgado M, Monti G, Collado B, Tomckowiack C, Tejeda C, Müller A, Eberhard T, Klaasen HLBM, Hartmann K. Cats shedding pathogenic Leptospira spp.-An underestimated zoonotic risk? PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239991. [PMID: 33091006 PMCID: PMC7580889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Shedding of DNA of pathogenic Leptospira spp. has been documented in naturally infected cats in several countries, but urinary shedding of infectious Leptospira spp. has only recently been proven. The climate in Southern Chile is temperate rainy with high annual precipitations which represents ideal preconditions for survival of Leptospira spp., especially during spring and summer. The aims of this study were to investigate shedding of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in outdoor cats in Southern Chile, to perform molecular characterization of isolates growing in culture, and to assess potential risk factors associated with shedding. Urine samples of 231 outdoor cats from rural and urban areas in southern Chile were collected. Urine samples were investigated for pathogenic Leptospira spp. by 4 techniques: qPCR targeting the lipL32 gene, immunomagnetic separation (IMS)-coupled qPCR (IMS-qPCR), direct culture and IMS-coupled culture. Positive urine cultures were additionally confirmed by PCR. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to molecularly characterize isolates obtained from positive cultures. Overall, 36 urine samples (15.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 11.4-20.9) showed positive results. Eighteen (7.8%, 95% CI 4.9-12.1), 30 (13%, 95% CI 9.2-18), 3 (1.3%, 0.3-3.9) and 4 cats (1.7%; 95% CI 0.5-4.5) were positive in qPCR, IMS-qPCR, conventional culture, and IMS-coupled culture, respectively. MLST results of 7 culture-positive cats revealed sequences that could be assigned to sequence type 17 (6 cats) and sequence type 27 (1 cat) corresponding to L. interrogans (Pathogenic Leptospira Subgroup 1). Shedding of pathogenic Leptospira spp. by cats might be an underestimated source of infection for other species including humans. The present study is the first one reporting growth of leptospires from feline urine in culture in naturally infected cats in South-America and characterisation of culture-derived isolates. So far, very few cases of successful attempts to culture leptospires from naturally infected cats are described worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roswitha Dorsch
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Javier Ojeda
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Miguel Salgado
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Gustavo Monti
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Bernadita Collado
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Camillo Tomckowiack
- Escuela de Graduados, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Carlos Tejeda
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Ananda Müller
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Theo Eberhard
- University of Applied Sciences Munich, München, Germany
| | | | - Katrin Hartmann
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
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11
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Detection and modeling of anti- Leptospira IgG prevalence in cats from Lisbon area and its correlation to retroviral infections, lifestyle, clinical and hematologic changes. Vet Anim Sci 2020; 10:100144. [PMID: 33204894 PMCID: PMC7648175 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2020.100144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of global importance caused by Leptospira species. Rodents are the main reservoirs, known to shed the bacteria in urine, thus contaminating water and soil and infecting other animals and people. Leptospirosis has been re-emerging in both developing and developed countries including Europe. It has been hypothesized that cats could be asymptomatic carriers of Leptospira. This study aims to evaluate cats' exposure to Leptospira in Lisbon, Portugal, by measuring IgG titres and correlating them with possible factors that may increase the risk of exposure in urban cats. Two hundred and forty-three samples were collected from the biobank. An ELISA test followed by a seroprevalence analysis using a finite mixture model was performed to detect and measure anti-Leptospira IgG antibodies titres. In parallel, a survey was conducted to identify possible risk factors for seropositivity. According to the ELISA test protocol, only twenty-three cats (9.5%; 95% CI =(6.1%;13.9%)) could be considered as seropositive to Leptospira antigens. However, when the same data were analysed by the best different mixture models, one hundred and forty-four cats (59.3%; 95%CI = (52.8%; 65.5%)) could be classified as intermediate and high antibody responders to Leptospira antigens. Seropositivity to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus infection (FIV) was found to be the only significant risk factor associated with anti-Leptospira IgG antibodies. In conclusion, the present studies raises the possibility of a higher exposure of cats to Leptospira than previously thought due to the identification of a subpopulation of cats with intermediate antibody levels.
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Key Words
- ALP, serum alkaline phosphatase
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- CBC, complete blood count
- CKD, Chronic Kidney Disease
- ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
- FIV positive
- FIV, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus infection
- FeLV, Feline Leukemia Virus
- Free-roaming cats
- IDIU, Infectious Diseases Isolation Unit
- IgG
- IgG, Immunoglobulin G
- Leptospirosis
- MAT, microscopic agglutination tests
- One Health
- PAHO, Pan American Health organization
- USG, Urine Specific Gravity
- VTH, Veterinary Teaching Hospital
- WHO, World Health organization
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12
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Putz EJ, Nally JE. Investigating the Immunological and Biological Equilibrium of Reservoir Hosts and Pathogenic Leptospira: Balancing the Solution to an Acute Problem? Front Microbiol 2020; 11:2005. [PMID: 32922382 PMCID: PMC7456838 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.02005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a devastating zoonotic disease affecting people and animals across the globe. Pathogenic leptospires are excreted in urine of reservoir hosts which directly or indirectly leads to continued disease transmission, via contact with mucous membranes or a breach of the skin barrier of another host. Human fatalities approach 60,000 deaths per annum; though most vertebrates are susceptible to leptospirosis, complex interactions between host species and serovars of Leptospira can yield disease phenotypes that vary from asymptomatic shedding in reservoir hosts, to multi-organ failure in incidental hosts. Clinical symptoms of acute leptospirosis reflect the diverse range of pathogenic species and serovars that cause infection, the level of exposure, and the relationship of the pathogen with the given host. However, in all cases, pathogenic Leptospira are excreted into the environment via urine from reservoir hosts which are uniformly recognized as asymptomatic carriers. Therefore, the reservoir host serves as the cornerstone of persistent disease transmission. Although bacterin vaccines can be used to abate renal carriage and excretion in domestic animal species, there is an urgent need to advance our understanding of immune-mediated host–pathogen interactions that facilitate persistent asymptomatic carriage. This review summarizes the current understanding of host–pathogen interactions in the reservoir host and prioritizes research to unravel mechanisms that allow for colonization but not destruction of the host. This information is required to understand, and ultimately control, the transmission of pathogenic Leptospira.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie J Putz
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, United States
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13
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Murillo A, Cuenca R, Serrano E, Marga G, Ahmed A, Cervantes S, Caparrós C, Vieitez V, Ladina A, Pastor J. Leptospira Detection in Cats in Spain by Serology and Molecular Techniques. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E1600. [PMID: 32121670 PMCID: PMC7084519 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17051600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is the most neglected widespread zoonosis worldwide. In Spain, leptospirosis reports in people and animals have increased lately. Cats can become infected with Leptospira, as well as be chronic carriers. The aim of this study was to determine serological antibody prevalence against Leptospira sp., blood DNA, and shedding of DNA from pathogenic Leptospira species in the urine of cats in Spain. Microagglutination tests (MAT) and blood and urine TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed. Leptospira antibodies were detected in 10/244 cats; with 4.1% positive results (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.1-7.18%). Titers ranged from 1:20 to 1:320 (serovars Ballum; Bataviae; Bratislava; Cynopteri; Grippotyphosa Mandemakers; Grippotyphosa Moskva; Pomona; and Proechimys). The most common serovar was Cynopteri. Blood samples from 1/89 cats amplified for Leptospira DNA (1.12%; 95% CI: 0.05-5.41%). Urine samples from 4/232 cats amplified for Leptospira DNA (1.72%; 95% CI: 0.55-4.10%). In conclusion free-roaming cats in Spain can shed pathogenic Leptospira DNA in their urine and may be a source of human infection. Serovars not previously described in cats in Spain were detected; suggesting the presence of at least 4 different species of pathogenic leptospires in the country (L. borgpetersenii; L. interrogans; L. kirschneri; and L. noguchii).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Murillo
- Department de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona (UAB), CP 08193 Bellaterra, Espana; (R.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Rafaela Cuenca
- Department de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona (UAB), CP 08193 Bellaterra, Espana; (R.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Emmanuel Serrano
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WE&H), Servei d’Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), CP 08193 Bellaterra, Espana;
| | - Goris Marga
- OIE and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis (NRL), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Medical Microbiology, Meibergdreef 39, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (G.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Ahmed Ahmed
- OIE and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis (NRL), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Medical Microbiology, Meibergdreef 39, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (G.M.); (A.A.)
| | | | - Cristina Caparrós
- Clínica Felina Barcelona, CP 08015 Barcelona, Espana; (S.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Verónica Vieitez
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, CP 10003 Cáceres, Espana; (V.V.); (A.L.)
| | - Andrea Ladina
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, CP 10003 Cáceres, Espana; (V.V.); (A.L.)
| | - Josep Pastor
- Department de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona (UAB), CP 08193 Bellaterra, Espana; (R.C.); (J.P.)
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14
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Murillo A, Goris M, Ahmed A, Cuenca R, Pastor J. Leptospirosis in cats: Current literature review to guide diagnosis and management. J Feline Med Surg 2020; 22:216-228. [PMID: 32093581 PMCID: PMC11132596 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x20903601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
GLOBAL IMPORTANCE Leptospirosis is the most widespread zoonosis worldwide. Mammals (eg, rats, horses, cows, pigs, dogs, cats and aquatic species, such as sea lions and northern elephant seals) can all be infected by leptospires. Infection in animals occurs through contact with urine or water contaminated with the bacteria. In people, the disease is acquired mainly from animal sources or through recreational activities in contaminated water. PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Literature on the clinical presentation of leptospirosis in cats is scarce, although it has been demonstrated that cats are susceptible to infection and are capable of developing antibodies. The prevalence of antileptospiral antibodies in cats varies from 4% to 33.3% depending on the geographical location. Urinary shedding of leptospires in naturally infected cats has been reported, with a prevalence of up to 68%. Infection in cats has been associated with the consumption of infected prey, especially rodents. Thus, outdoor cats have a higher risk of becoming infected. CLINICAL CHALLENGES Clinical presentation of this disease in cats is rare and it is not known what role cats have in the transmission of leptospirosis. Ongoing work is needed to characterise feline leptospirosis. AUDIENCE This review is aimed at all veterinarians, both general practitioners who deal with cats on a daily basis in private practice, as well as feline practitioners, since both groups face the challenge of diagnosing and treating infectious and zoonotic diseases. EVIDENCE BASE The current literature on leptospirosis in cats is reviewed. To date, few case reports have been published in the field, and information has mostly been extrapolated from infections in people and dogs. This review is expected to serve as a guide for the diagnosis and management of the disease in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Murillo
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marga Goris
- OIE and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis (NRL), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Medical Microbiology, Meibergdreef 39, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ahmed Ahmed
- OIE and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis (NRL), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Medical Microbiology, Meibergdreef 39, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rafaela Cuenca
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Pastor
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
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