Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How long do dogs with leptospirosis shed bacteria in urine
By Hetrick, Katie et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2022·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation by polymerase chain reaction assay of persistent shedding of pathogenic leptospires in the urine of dogs with leptospirosis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 32 dogs diagnosed with leptospirosis (a serious infection) were tested to see if they continued to shed the bacteria in their urine after receiving antibiotic treatment. Despite treatment, many dogs still tested positive for the bacteria in follow-up tests, and all dogs showed signs of acute kidney injury. Some dogs went on to develop chronic kidney disease. This highlights the importance of follow-up testing to ensure the infection is cleared, as persistent shedding can lead to further health issues.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Persistent leptospiruria in naturally infected dogs occurs despite appropriate antibiotic treatment. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of persistent leptospiruria in naturally infected dogs and the association of persistent leptospiruria with different antibiotic treatments. ANIMALS: Thirty-two dogs of varying age and breed diagnosed with leptospirosis via urine polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR). METHODS: A prospective observational study of dogs diagnosed with leptospirosis was undertaken to determine the frequency of persistent leptospiruria as determined by PCR. Clinical presentation of leptospirosis, antibiotic treatment, serum creatinine concentration, and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Fifteen of 32 dogs had a negative urine PCR on the first submission in the study, 5 of 15 received only an aminopenicillin. The remaining 17 dogs had a negative urine PCR on the second (n = 6 dogs), third (n = 5), fourth (n = 5), and eighth (n = 1) submissions. Acute kidney injury was reported in 32/32 dogs. Two of 32 dogs developed chronic kidney disease. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Persistent leptospiruria is common despite treatment with antibiotics frequently recommended for treatment. Follow-up urine PCR to confirm clearance of the organism is recommended in all dogs. In dogs with persistent leptospiruria, chronic kidney disease can develop after acute kidney injury.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34799884/