Leptospira spp. in cats – review

Abstract

The leptospirosis is a disease not yet clearly understood in cats. Cats can produce response with specific antibodies, but data on the clinical disease is lacking. Serological studies show a prevalence of 4.1% to 33.3% of leptospirosis in cats, and several serovars have been described. Recently studies suggest a possible relationship between infection and chronic and acute kidney lesion. Considering that kidney disease is a common occurrence in cats, it's possible that leptospirosis could be an underdiagnosed cause of renal disease in this species. Cats can present lepstospiruria, and could be reservoirs for Leptospira. The exact risk of another mammals contamination by the cats' urine is yet unknown. Future studies focused on disease and treatment of leptospirosis in cats could greatly improve our understanding of the epidemiology of leptospirosis in cats.