Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Leishmania spp. diagnosis and therapeutic management in a cat from urban area in Ibagué (Colombia).
- Journal:
- Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports
- Year:
- 2024
- Authors:
- Osorio-Peralta, Diana Catalina et al.
- Affiliation:
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
This case study describes a cat in Colombia diagnosed with feline leishmaniasis, a disease caused by a tiny organism called Leishmania that is spread by sandflies. The cat underwent several tests, including blood work and imaging, which showed various health issues but ruled out other viral infections. After confirming the presence of Leishmania through specialized tests, the cat was treated with two medications, allopurinol and miltefosine. Following the treatment, the cat's symptoms completely went away. Overall, the treatment was successful in improving the cat's health.
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: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38199688/