Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat diagnosed with Leishmania in Colombia - treatment details
By Osorio-Peralta, Diana Catalina et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports·2024·Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Leishmania spp. diagnosis and therapeutic management in a cat from urban area in Ibagué (Colombia).
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat in Colombia was diagnosed with leishmaniasis, a disease caused by a protozoan parasite transmitted by sandflies. The cat showed symptoms like abnormal blood counts and liver issues, which led to further testing that confirmed the infection. The veterinarian treated the cat with allopurinol and miltefosine, and after the treatment, the cat's symptoms disappeared, indicating a successful recovery.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Leishmania spp., a protozoan transmitted by sandflies, widely affects humans and dogs in Colombia, nevertheless feline leishmaniasis (FeL) remains understudied. OBJECTIVE: This study reports a case of feline leishmaniasis in Colombia and its therapeutic management. METHODS: Complete blood count, renal and hepatic serum biochemistry, nodular lesion cytology, FeLV/FIV snap test, abdominal ultrasound, and molecular diagnosis of Leishmania spp. 16 s rRNA gene amplification by real-time-PCR (qPCR), ITS-1 and hsp70 gene by endpoint-PCR and Sanger sequencing were performed. RESULTS: The patient was negative for FIV/FeLV and showed leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, thrombocytopenia, neutrophilia, monocytosis, hypergammaglobulinemia, increased gamma-glutamyl-transferase, cortical nephrocalcinosis, diffuse heterogeneous splenic parenchyma, and cholangitis. Nodular lesion cytology, qPCR and Sanger sequencing confirmed the diagnosis of Leishmania spp. The patient was treated with allopurinol and miltefosine. After treatment, clinical signs disappeared. CONCLUSION: Clinical examination, cytology, and molecular tests allowed a rapid and sensitive FeL diagnosis. Allopurinol and miltefosine improved the clinical condition of the cat.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38199688/