Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat in Italy with eye granuloma caused by leprosy bacteria
By Lamagna, Barbara et al.·Published in Veterinary ophthalmology·2009·Department of Clinical Sciences, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Isolated lepromatous conjunctivo-corneal granuloma in a cat from Italy.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 2-year-old female black European Short-Hair cat in Italy had a nodular mass on her eye that lasted for two weeks. The mass was found on the conjunctiva and was causing concern for the owners. Tests revealed the presence of acid-fast bacilli, which are linked to leprosy, leading to a diagnosis of feline leprosy. Unfortunately, the owners chose not to pursue any treatment, and a year later, the mass remained unchanged.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of a conjunctivo-corneal mass in a cat associated with acid-fast bacilli. METHODS: A 2-year-old female black European Short-Hair cat, living outdoors in a suburban environment in Italy, was referred for evaluation of a nodular, vascularized mass of 2 weeks duration. The mass involved the dorsal bulbar conjunctiva at the temporal canthus of OS and invaded the sclera and cornea. Routine ophthalmic and systemic examination, serologic testing, cytology and histology of the mass were performed. Mycobacterium specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of variable regions 1, 2 and 3 of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene was also performed. RESULTS: Neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages and giant cells with intracytoplasmic acid-fast bacilli were seen on cytological examination. The histological examination confirmed the presence of a granulomatous lesion with acid-fast bacilli within macrophages. Bacteriological culture of the material from the lesion was negative for Mycobacterium spp. Mycobacterium 16S rRNA gene specific PCR was positive. A diagnosis of feline leprosy was made. The owners refused any treatment, and 1 year later the lesion was still present. CONCLUSIONS: Veterinary ophthalmologists should be aware of conjunctivo-corneal leproma as an unusual symptom of leprosy.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19261164/