Feral cats do not play a major role in leptospirosis epidemiology on Reunion Island

Gomard, Yann; Lagadec, Erwan; Humeau, Laurence; Pinet, Patrick; Bureau, Sophie; Silva, D. Da; Turpin, Magali; Mattoir, Y. Soulaimana; Georger, S.; Mavingui, Patrick; Tortosa, Pablo

doi:10.1017/s0950268819000190

Cited by 18 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…The prevalence of urinary shedding from leptospiral DNA in the present research is consistent with that reported in previous studies in cats [6,7,14,15,18,19]. Our results also match with those obtained by Sprißler et al, 2018 (0.8%) [14] and Gomard et al, 2019 (0.6%) [8]. In common, the two PCRs methodologies used in these two studies and in our work are targeting the lipL32 gene [25,48].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

“…Catalonia and Extremadura are two of the autonomous communities with the highest reported cases [4,5]. It has been shown that some pathogenic species of leptospires like Leptospira borgpetersenii, Leptospira interrogans, and Leptospira kirschneri can naturally infect cats [6][7][8]. Clinical presentation of the disease is rare and usually mild in cats [9][10][11][12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Furthermore, a recent study investigated the ability of cats to excrete viable bacteria through urine (p. 227, [19]), suggesting the possibility that cats can spread the bacteria by urine and infect humans. Sequences from bacterial DNA isolated in acute human cases of leptospirosis and wild animals have shown similarities with those isolated from cats in Reunion Island (Leptospira borgpetersenii); the authors of the work rejected, however, any major role of feral cats in the epidemiology of leptospirosis in that geographical region due to urinary Leptospira shedding cats extremely low prevalence (0.6%) [8]. Conversely, other researchers argue that the role of cats in the maintenance of the pathogen has so far been underestimated [6,15,19].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Leptospira Detection in Cats in Spain by Serology and Molecular Techniques

Murillo

Cuenca

Serrano

et al. 2020

IJERPH

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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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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Leptospira Detection in Cats in Spain by Serology and Molecular Techniques

Murillo

Cuenca

Serrano

et al. 2020

IJERPH

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“…Serological evidence of cat infection have been published in countries such as Chile, 58 and cats can shed leptospires in their urine during acute clinical infection and may even act as chronic shedders. 59 – 61 Furthermore, their involvement in the epidemiological cycle in rural areas is suspected. 62 Dogs, mainly stray dogs, have been also suspected or are involved in the epidemiology of human leptospirosis worldwide, including in the SWIOIs.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Observational Study of Human Leptospirosis in Seychelles

Biscornet

Comarmond

Bibi

et al. 2020

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

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. 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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“…31,18 Some cats with antibodies against Leptospira species have been found to have signs associated with renal disease and/or histopathological evidence of renal inflammation. 14,16,30,35,59 As in dogs, leptospirosis in cats can cause acute kidney injury that leads to chronic kidney disease. 19,60 Lesions in the liver of affected cats have been reported less commonly than in dogs.…”

Section: Diagnosismentioning

confidence: 99%

Leptospirosis in cats: Current literature review to guide diagnosis and management

Murillo

Goris

Ahmed

et al. 2020

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery

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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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Feral cats do not play a major role in leptospirosis epidemiology on Reunion Island

Cited by 18 publications

References 20 publications

Leptospira Detection in Cats in Spain by Serology and Molecular Techniques

Leptospira Detection in Cats in Spain by Serology and Molecular Techniques

An Observational Study of Human Leptospirosis in Seychelles

Leptospirosis in cats: Current literature review to guide diagnosis and management

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