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Feline leishmaniosis: hematological and biochemical analysis

Diogo Tiago da Silva1,2, Maria Luana Alves1,2, Júlio Cesar Pereira Spada1,2

  • 1Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil.

Revista Brasileira De Parasitologia Veterinaria = Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Parasitology : Orgao Oficial Do Colegio Brasileiro De Parasitologia Veterinaria
|June 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Feline leishmaniosis diagnosis in cats can be challenging. This study highlights key hematological and biochemical markers, including low platelet counts and altered protein levels, aiding in early detection of Leishmania infantum infection.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases in Animals
  • Feline Medicine

Background:

  • Leishmania spp. infection poses a diagnostic challenge in cats.
  • Feline leishmaniosis clinical signs can be non-specific.
  • Accurate diagnostic methods are crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate diagnostic methods for Leishmania spp. in cats.
  • To identify hematological and biochemical alterations associated with Leishmania infantum infection.
  • To correlate clinical signs with laboratory findings in infected cats.

Main Methods:

  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR), and parasitological tests (PA) were employed.
  • Sequencing of ITS-1 PCR amplicons confirmed Leishmania infantum.
  • Clinical, hematological, and biochemical analyses were performed on infected and non-infected cats.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence rates varied across diagnostic tests, with IFAT showing the highest positivity (53.6%).
  • Sequencing confirmed Leishmania infantum as the causative agent.
  • Infected cats exhibited significantly lower platelet counts and hyperproteinemia with hypoalbuminemia compared to negative controls.

Conclusions:

  • Cats with clinical signs suggestive of leishmaniosis and exhibiting specific hematological (thrombocytopenia) and biochemical (hyperproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia) changes warrant testing for Leishmania spp.
  • Diagnostic approaches combining serological and molecular methods are recommended.
  • Early detection and diagnosis are vital for managing feline leishmaniosis in endemic regions.

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