Prevalence of feline leptospirosis: serologic survey and attempts of isolation and demonstration of the agent.

Abstract

The occurrence of leptospiral infection in cats was determined through the detection of specific antibodies based on the results of microscopic agglutination test and the attempts of isolation and histological demonstration of leptospires from the kidneys of these animals. Of 172 serum samples examined by microscopic agglutination test, 22 (12.8%) were positive with titers greater than or equal to 100. The most frequent serovar was pomona. In relation to the sex, significant differences were not seen; however the age distribution showed that feline leptospirosis is more frequent in adult cats. The attempts for isolation and demonstration of L. interrogans from renal parenchyma by culture or Warthin Starry technics were unsuccessful.