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Feline leprosy: two different clinical syndromes
1Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia. R.Malik@vetc.usyd.edu.au
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
|March 1, 2002
Summary
Feline leprosy in cats presents as two distinct syndromes: one in young cats caused by Mycobacterium lepraemurium, and another in older cats caused by a novel mycobacterial species, identified via polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Feline leprosy is characterized by skin granulomas caused by acid-fast bacilli, often unculturable.
- The study expands the definition to include cases identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and differentiate feline leprosy cases based on clinical, histological, and molecular findings.
- To identify the causative agents of feline leprosy in a cohort of Australian cats.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 13 feline tissue specimens from 1988-2000.
- Histopathology, cytology, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing via PCR.
- Comparison of clinical and pathological features between two distinct cat groups.
Main Results:
- Two groups identified: young cats (<4 years) with aggressive, localized disease (potentially M. lepraemurium) and older cats (>9 years) with generalized, slow-progressing disease caused by a novel species.
- PCR identified M. lepraemurium in young cats and a unique 16S rRNA sequence in older cats.
- Successful treatment observed with rifampicin, clofazimine, and clarithromycin.
Conclusions:
- Feline leprosy encompasses two distinct clinical and etiological syndromes.
- Young cats are typically affected by M. lepraemurium, while older cats develop a novel mycobacterial infection.
- Effective treatment options are available for both forms of feline leprosy.