CTSD and infection: Early - mid (1–6 hpi): intracellular leptospires colocalized with EEA-1 and LAMP-1. Saprophytic but not pathogenic leptospires showed a compromised shape. Infection with pathogenic strains led to delayed recruitment of cathepsin D and colocalization with LysoTracker.Late (24 hpi): only pathogenic strains were intracellularly membrane-associated (EM). Viable pathogenic bacteria were recovered in EMJH 24 and 48 hpi.