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Loria J, Reis L, Roussouliéres I, Pinto PHN, Balaro MFA, Lilenbaum W. Genital route in experimental infection, a promising approach to study genital leptospirosis in ruminants. Vet J 2024; 305:106127. [PMID: 38710383 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Infection by Leptospira sp., mainly strains from the Sejroe serogroup, impairs the reproductive efficiency of ruminants leading to economic losses. Although the majority of experimental studies use the intraperitoneal route of leptospiral infection, it has been suggested that natural infection occurs frequently by sexual transmission. Thus, we assessed the genital route of infection to study genital leptospirosis in the sheep model. A strain of L. borgpetersenii serogroup Sejroe, serovar Hardjobovis was inoculated in 18 ewes, divided into three groups for inoculation: intraperitoneal (n=6; Gip), cervical superficial (genital) (n=6; Ggen) and conjunctival (n=6; Gconj). Monthly, for 90 days, blood samples were collected for serology (MAT) and PCR was performed on urine, cervical-vaginal mucus, and uterine fragments. All ewes were successfully infected, independently of the infection route. Gip and Ggen did not differ throughout the experiment, either on seroconversion or on PCR positivity on urine or genital samples. In contrast, Gconj presented fewer seroreactive animals (P<0.05) and fewer PCR-pos on genital samples than the other groups. The results obtained demonstrated that, although all groups presented both urinary and genital infections, the genital route was more efficient and did not differ from the traditional intraperitoneal. It indicates that genital via, besides being a naturally occurring transmission via, represents a promising and interesting route regarding future studies related to genital leptospirosis in ruminants, and its use should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Loria
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro 24210-030, Brazil
| | - L Reis
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro 24210-030, Brazil
| | - I Roussouliéres
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro 24210-030, Brazil
| | - P H N Pinto
- Pathology and Veterinary Clinics Department, Veterinary College, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro 24220-000, Brazil
| | - M F A Balaro
- Pathology and Veterinary Clinics Department, Veterinary College, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro 24220-000, Brazil
| | - W Lilenbaum
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro 24210-030, Brazil.
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de Andrade Morais D, Nunes BC, Soares RR, de Oliveira MD, da Costa DF, de Araújo HG, Júnior JPA, Malossi CD, Silva MLCR, de Azevedo SS, Alves CJ. Strong Evidence of the Role of Donkeys in the Epidemiology of Leptospira spp. in Semiarid Conditions. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1853. [PMID: 37513025 PMCID: PMC10384114 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Donkeys (Equus asinus) are historically known for their close relationship to humanity, which raises the need to study zoonotic diseases that affect them. In this perspective, leptospirosis stands out as a disease with an economic and public health impact, and its occurrence is facilitated in times of higher rainfall indexes, especially in large urban centers. In view of the scarcity of information about leptospirosis in donkeys, the objective of this study was to detect the presence of Leptospira spp. and anti-leptospiral antibodies in donkeys rescued by a zoonosis center located in the Caatiga biome, Brazilian semiarid region. Overall, 30 donkeys of both sexes, aged between 4 months and 15 years, were used, from which 64 serum samples were collected and submitted to the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). In addition, 64 samples of urine, vaginal and preputial fluid, in duplicates, were subjected to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microbiological. Sixteen (53.3%) animals tested positive in at least one diagnostic test, 12 (40%) of which were positive at MAT and seven (23.3%) in the molecular and bacteriological detection (urine, vaginal, and preputial fluid samples). This is the first report identifying donkeys infected with Leptospira spp. by molecular and bacteriological diagnosis in Brazil, and the first in the world to detect this agent in their genital fluids. The study also shows that donkeys are commonly exposed to leptospires in the Caatinga biome, and this constitutes a One Health-based concern, demonstrating the importance of broad studies where large numbers of humans and animals coexist when investigating zoonotic infections and when planning and implementing control measures for donkeys-associated leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davidianne de Andrade Morais
- Centro de Saúde Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos 58708-110, PB, Brazil
| | - Bruno Cesar Nunes
- Centro de Saúde Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos 58708-110, PB, Brazil
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Soares
- Centro de Saúde Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos 58708-110, PB, Brazil
| | - Murilo Duarte de Oliveira
- Centro de Saúde Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos 58708-110, PB, Brazil
| | - Diego Figueiredo da Costa
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA), Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), Rodovia BR 079, Km 02, Areia 58397-000, PB, Brazil
| | - Hosaneide Gomes de Araújo
- Centro de Saúde Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos 58708-110, PB, Brazil
| | - João Pessoa Araújo Júnior
- Campus de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila Dantas Malossi
- Campus de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Luana Cristiny Rodrigues Silva
- Centro de Saúde Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos 58708-110, PB, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Santos de Azevedo
- Centro de Saúde Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos 58708-110, PB, Brazil
| | - Clebert José Alves
- Centro de Saúde Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos 58708-110, PB, Brazil
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Barnabé NNDC, Soares RR, Barros DKS, Nogueira DB, da Costa FTR, Araújo Júnior JP, Malossi CD, Ullmann LS, da Costa DF, Silva MLCR, Higino SSDS, Santos CDSAB, de Azevedo SS, Alves CJ. Bovine Leptospirosis in Caatinga Biome, Brazil: New Insights into Diagnosis and Epidemiology. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:177. [PMID: 36977178 PMCID: PMC10053506 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine leptospirosis causes economic losses and raises public health concerns. It is possible that there are peculiarities in the epidemiology of leptospirosis in regions with a semiarid climate, such as the Caatinga biome in Brazil, where the climate is hot and dry, and the etiological agent require alternative routes of transmission. This study aimed to close knowledge gaps to the diagnosis and epidemiology of Leptospira spp. infection in cows from the Caatinga biome, Brazil. Samples of the blood, urinary tract (urine, bladder and kidney) and reproductive tract (vaginal fluid, uterus, uterine tube, ovary and placenta) were collected from 42 slaughtered cows. Diagnostic tests included were the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacterial isolation. Anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies were found in 27 (64.3%) of the animals analyzed using MAT at a 1:50 dilution (cut-off 50), while 31 (73.8%) animals had at least one organ/fluid where the presence of Leptospira spp. DNA was identified, and 29 animals (69%) were positive at bacteriological culture. The highest sensitivity values for MAT were obtained at the cut-off point of 50. In conclusion, even under hot and dry climate conditions, it is possible that Leptospira spp. can spread through alternative routes such as venereal transmission; moreover, a cut-off of 50 is recommended for the serological diagnosis of cattle from the Caatinga biome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Soares
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine (UAMV), Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Patos 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Deivyson Kelvis Silva Barros
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine (UAMV), Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Patos 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Denise Batista Nogueira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny (FMVZ), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-220, Brazil
| | | | - João Pessoa Araújo Júnior
- Institute of Biosciences, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of the São Paulo State (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Camila Dantas Malossi
- Institute of Biosciences, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of the São Paulo State (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Leila Sabrina Ullmann
- Institute of Biosciences, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of the São Paulo State (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Sérgio Santos de Azevedo
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine (UAMV), Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Patos 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Clebert José Alves
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine (UAMV), Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Patos 58708-110, Brazil
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Soares RR, Natércio da Costa Barnabé N, Cristiny Rodrigues Silva ML, Figueiredo da Costa D, Araújo Júnior JP, Malossi CD, Ullmann LS, Silvano Dos Santos Higino S, Santos de Azevedo S, Alves CJ. Detection of Leptospira spp. in genitourinary tract of female goats managed in the brazilian semiarid. Microb Pathog 2022; 172:105763. [PMID: 36116606 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Studies related to the prevalence of leptospirosis in the semiarid region showed that even during long periods of drought, the disease has a remarkable frequency in herds in the region. It is a neglected disease and the extent of its effects in the Brazilian semiarid region is not known. The dynamics of this agent is well studied in the urinary tract, however, there are not many studies regarding the genital tract in female goats. Observing this scenario, the present work aimed to diagnose Leptospira spp. in female goats kept in the Brazilian semiarid region by means of serological, molecular and isolation techniques. Blood samples, vaginal fluid, urine and fragments of organs from the genitourinary tract were collected from 40 goats destined for slaughter. Microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was used as a serological technique, with a battery of 24 serovars. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of the vaginal fluid, urine and organ fragments was performed, as well as the bacterial growth of these same products in a selective medium. Isolation positive samples were subjected to PCR. It was observed that two (5%) animals were serologically positive for the Pyrogenes serogroup. A total of 29 (72.5%) animals were PCR positive, with DNA present in 51/160 (31.8%) samples from the genital tract and 34/120 (28.3%) from the urinary tract, with no statistical difference. For bacterial growth, 22/40 (55%) animals were positive for growth, with morphology being observed in 19/160 (11.8%) for the genital tract and 16/120 (13.3%) for the urinary tract, with no statistical difference. Two uterus samples showed 99% similarity with L. interrogans after sequencing. Thus, female goats kept under semiarid conditions were positive for Leptospira spp, with positive samples from both the urinary and genital tracts, which possible is an alternative way of adapting and maintaining the agent for severe and adverse conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Rodrigues Soares
- Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos, PB, 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Nathanael Natércio da Costa Barnabé
- Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos, PB, 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Maria Luana Cristiny Rodrigues Silva
- Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos, PB, 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Diego Figueiredo da Costa
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA), Rodovia BR 079, Km 02, Areia, PB, 58397-000, Brazil
| | - João Pessoa Araújo Júnior
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, campus de Botucatu, Botucatu, SP, 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Camila Dantas Malossi
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, campus de Botucatu, Botucatu, SP, 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Leila Sabrina Ullmann
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, campus de Botucatu, Botucatu, SP, 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Severino Silvano Dos Santos Higino
- Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos, PB, 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Sergio Santos de Azevedo
- Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos, PB, 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Clebert José Alves
- Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos, PB, 58708-110, Brazil.
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Santos JCDA, de Vasconcelos IFF, Nogueira DB, Junior JPA, Malossi CD, Ullmann LS, Santos CDSAB, Alves CJ, Silva MLCR, de Azevedo SS. New insights on Leptospira sp. infection in ewes maintained in field semiarid conditions. Acta Trop 2022; 234:106610. [PMID: 35850236 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is poorly studied in small ruminants raised in field semiarid conditions. In this study we compared serological, bacteriological and molecular diagnostic methods in ewes maintained in field Brazilian semiarid conditions. Blood, vaginal fluid and urine samples were collected from 60 Morada Nova ewes raised in a semi-intensive system in the Brazilian semiarid. Diagnostic tests performed were microscopic agglutination test (MAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacterial isolation. Anti-Leptospira sp. antibodies were found in eight (13.33%) animals analyzed by MAT at reciprocal titer 25 (cut-off 25), while Leptospira sp. DNA was detected in urine or vaginal fluid of 56 animals (93.33%). There was growth of leptospires in 10 urine cultures and in 11 vaginal fluid cultures, however, two of urine (2/60-3.33%) and eight cultures of vaginal fluid (8/60-13.33%) were confirmed by PCR. Two samples of vaginal fluid (one of each animal) were submitted to sequencing demonstrating 99% similarity with L. santarosai and L. interrogans. The highest MAT sensitivities were obtained with reciprocal titer 25 (cut-off 25) compared to 50 and 100. The performance of different diagnostic techniques for leptospirosis in ewes raised in field semiarid conditions allowed a better evaluation of the herd, as well as made it possible to identify carrier animals. Genital route may be important for efficient transmission and without dependence on environmental factors in ewes from semiarid, as well as it's highlighted that titer 1:25 in serology was more efficient, indicating its use in ewes in field semiarid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Cesar de Araujo Santos
- Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos, PB 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Igor Felipe Ferreira de Vasconcelos
- Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos, PB 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Denise Batista Nogueira
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Joao Pessoa Araujo Junior
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, campus de Botucatu, Botucatu, SP 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Camila Dantas Malossi
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, campus de Botucatu, Botucatu, SP 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Leila Sabrina Ullmann
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, campus de Botucatu, Botucatu, SP 18618-687, Brazil
| | | | - Clebert José Alves
- Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos, PB 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Maria Luana Cristiny Rodrigues Silva
- Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos, PB 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Santos de Azevedo
- Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos, PB 58708-110, Brazil.
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Leptospira Seroprevalence in Colombian Dairy Herds. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030785. [PMID: 33799912 PMCID: PMC8000119 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Leptospirosis is one of the waterborne diseases whose spread could be significantly affected by global changes that act on the environment, both in Latin America and in other parts of the world. However, there are few studies regarding leptospirosis in cattle from Latin America, especially from Colombia. The aim of the present study was to determine the overall and within-herd seroprevalence and mapping of different Leptospira serovars in dairy cattle from farms located in some municipalities of the Colombian department of Boyacá. A high proportion (95%) of herds with at least one seropositive animal was found. Moreover, within-herd seroprevalence was very high in 20% of the herds. The frequent presence of other domestic animals on farms could be a risk factor for the spread of the infection. Human leptospirosis seroprevalence in some areas of Colombia is high. However, we found that the most common serotypes involved in human disease were the ones with the lowest seroprevalences in cattle in the investigated area. This suggests that cattle could represent a minor risk factor for the transmission of Leptospira infection to humans. Nevertheless, the need for stricter preventive measures in cattle farms has emerged. Abstract Leptospirosis in cattle has important economic effects on the infected farms. Moreover, livestock farming is considered a major occupational risk factor for the transmission of Leptospira infection to humans. A survey was performed to determine the overall and within-herd seroprevalence and mapping of different Leptospira serovars in dairy cattle from farms located in some municipalities of the Colombian department of Boyacá. Nine hundred and fifty-nine animals, from 20 unvaccinated and one vaccinated herd, were included in the study. Anti-Leptospira serum antibodies were detected by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Only one herd was seronegative. Overall seroprevalence to at least one serovar of Leptospira was 24.1% for unvaccinated animals and 62.3% for animals from the vaccinated herd. A very high within-herd seroprevalence (>60%) was present in 20% of the unvaccinated herds. The presence in the vaccinated herd of 20/398 animals showing high titers, between 1000 and 4000, to at least one serovar of Leptospira suggest that some animals could have been infected. Moreover, due to the presence of seronegative animals, a failure of vaccination immunity or the presence of unvaccinated animals in the vaccinated herd cannot be excluded. In all farms, domestic animals other than cattle were present. Considering the farming practices occurring on dairy farms in the study area, higher hygienic standards and stricter biosecurity measures are suggested.
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Soares RR, Barnabé NNDC, Nogueira DB, da Silva LSC, Júnior JPA, Malossi CD, Ullmann LS, da Costa DF, Silva MLCR, Dos Santos Higino SS, de Azevedo SS, Alves CJ. Serological, molecular and bacteriological approaches for detecting Leptospira sp. carrier rams maintained in semiarid conditions. Acta Trop 2021; 213:105759. [PMID: 33197447 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Even in the adverse environmental conditions of the semiarid region, leptospires can survive and spread by alternative routes of transmission, such as sexual in ewes, however, there is no data on rams. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the use of serological, molecular and microbial tools applied to diagnosis of Leptospira sp. Infection in rams maintained in semiarid conditions. Biological samples of urinary (urine, kidney and bladder) and genital (vas deferens, epididymis tail and vesicular gland) tracts were collected from 40 slaughtered rams for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacterial isolation, as well as blood samples for antibody detection through microscopic serum agglutination test (MAT). Anti-Leptospira antibodies were found in five (12.5%) animals with antibody titer of 50 and 2 (5%) for the titer 100 for serogroups Pyrogenes, Ballum, Icterohaemorrhagiae and Australis. Leptospira sp. DNA was found in PCR of organs and urine of 30 (75%) animals. Overall, 240 fragments of organs from the urinary and genital tracts and urine were evaluated, with 93 (38.7%) positive samples, being 48/120 (40%) for the urinary tract and 45/120 (37.5%) for the genital. There was no statistically significant difference between the tracts. A bladder sample was sent for sequencing and showed 99% similarity with L. interrogans. Of the 240 cultures evaluated, 59 (24.5%) had leptospire growth, being that 23 (39%) were confirmed in PCR. Considering the PCR of organs and urine and bacterial growth as gold standards, the cut-off 50 in MAT showed greater sensitivity when compared to cut-off 100, regardless of the material used. The great proportion of leptospiral DNA in organs, urine and culture and bacterial growth from the genital tracts reinforce its importance as an extra-renal site and highlights the possible role of rams in venereal transmission, as well as the sensitivity of the cut-off 50 suggested its adoption in the serology of rams maintained in semiarid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Rodrigues Soares
- Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos, PB 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Nathanel Natércio da Costa Barnabé
- Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos, PB 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Denise Batista Nogueira
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Almeida Prado, 1280, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Laís Samara Cavalcante da Silva
- Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos, PB 58708-110, Brazil
| | - João Pessoa Araújo Júnior
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, campus de Botucatu, Botucatu, SP 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Camila Dantas Malossi
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, campus de Botucatu, Botucatu, SP 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Leila Sabrina Ullmann
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, campus de Botucatu, Botucatu, SP 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Diego Figueiredo da Costa
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA), Rodovia BR 079, Km 02, Areia, PB 58397-000, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Clebert José Alves
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Almeida Prado, 1280, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil.
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Use of serological and molecular techniques for detection of Leptospira sp. carrier sheep under semiarid conditions and the importance of genital transmission route. Acta Trop 2020; 207:105497. [PMID: 32330452 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
It is possible that there are peculiarities in the epidemiology of leptospirosis in regions with a semiarid climate, where the environment is often adverse, allowing the occurrence of alternative transmission routes. The objective of the work was to generate contributions to the diagnosis and epidemiology of Leptospira sp. infection in sheep reared in semiarid conditions, using serological, molecular and microbiological techniques for diagnosis in dry and rainy seasons. Samples of blood, vaginal fluid, urine, bladder, kidney, uterus, uterine tube, ovary and placenta were collected from 104 sheep (52 animals per season - dry and rainy) slaughtered in the Brazilian semiarid. Diagnostic tests performed were microscopic agglutination test (MAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacterial isolation. Anti-Leptospira sp. antibodies were found in 26 (25%) of the animals analyzed by MAT at 1:50 dilution (cut-off 50), while 69 (66.3%) animals had at least one organ/fluid with the presence of Leptospira sp. DNA. Overall, PCR was performed on 758 fragments of organs/fluids from the genital and urinary tracts, and 519 (68.5%) samples tested positive. PCR-positivity was statistically different in dry (46.2%) and rainy (11.5%) seasons for vaginal fluid. It was possible to perform the DNA sequencing in nine samples with 99% similarity to L. interrogans and recovery of viable strains in three samples of vaginal fluid. Regardless of the biological material used in PCR to detect carrier animals and the season, the highest MAT sensitivity values were obtained with cut-off 50 compared to 100. The results obtained indicate that, even in the adverse environmental conditions of the semiarid region, leptospires may survive and propagate by alternative routes of transmission, such as sexual, and the presence of PCR-positive genital tracts in ewes suggests that sexual transmission may play an important role in the epidemiology of the disease in sheep in Brazilian semiarid. In addition, it is suggested the use of titer 50 as cut-off point at serology in semiarid conditions.
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Nogueira DB, da Costa FTR, de Sousa Bezerra C, Soares RR, da Costa Barnabé NN, Falcão BMR, Silva MLCR, da Costa DF, Araújo JP, Malossi CD, Ullmann LS, Alves CJ, de Azevedo SS. Leptospira sp. vertical transmission in ewes maintained in semiarid conditions. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 219:106530. [PMID: 32828405 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a globally distributed disease associated with reproductive failures in livestock; however, its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Results from the present study indicate there is a presence of Leptospira sp. in organs and fluids of fetuses from ewes slaughtered in the semiarid region of Brazil. Twenty-nine fetuses from 23 ewes determined to be Leptospira sp.-positive using PCR were sampled (14 and 15 in dry and rainy seasons, respectively). Fetal samples of blood, central nervous system (CNS), lung, liver, spleen, stomach contents, peritoneal fluid, kidney, bladder, urine and reproductive system were collected. Diagnostic methods included the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacterial isolation. Of the 29 fetuses, 24 (82.8 %) had at least one Leptospira sp.-positive organ or fluid, as determined using PCR, and of a total of 209 samples, 62 (29.7 %) contained leptospiral DNA. Of the 99 samples collected during the dry season, 42 (42.4 %) were positive, and of 110 samples collected during the rainy season, 20 (18.2 %) were positive (P = 0.0001). There was deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing of three samples of kidney, CNS and liver, and in all of these, there was 99.3 % similarity with Leptospira interrogans. Leptospires were present in cultures of pooled samples from fetuses with deformities. Results indicate there is vertical (maternal-to-fetus) transmission which would represent an alternative transmission route for the spread of Leptospira sp. in ewes, suggesting molecular detection is essential in the investigation of leptospirosis in fetuses to identify animals that have been infected with this bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Batista Nogueira
- Transmissible Diseases Laboratory, Center of Rural Health and Technology, UFCG, Federal University of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Flávia Teresa Ribeiro da Costa
- Transmissible Diseases Laboratory, Center of Rural Health and Technology, UFCG, Federal University of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Camila de Sousa Bezerra
- Transmissible Diseases Laboratory, Center of Rural Health and Technology, UFCG, Federal University of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Soares
- Transmissible Diseases Laboratory, Center of Rural Health and Technology, UFCG, Federal University of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
| | | | - Brunna Muniz Rodrigues Falcão
- Transmissible Diseases Laboratory, Center of Rural Health and Technology, UFCG, Federal University of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
| | | | | | - João Pessoa Araújo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNESP, São Paulo State University Júlio de Mesquita Filho, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Dantas Malossi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNESP, São Paulo State University Júlio de Mesquita Filho, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leila Sabrina Ullmann
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNESP, São Paulo State University Júlio de Mesquita Filho, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Clebert José Alves
- Transmissible Diseases Laboratory, Center of Rural Health and Technology, UFCG, Federal University of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Santos de Azevedo
- Transmissible Diseases Laboratory, Center of Rural Health and Technology, UFCG, Federal University of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil.
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da Costa DF, de Faria PJÀ, Nogueira DB, de Oliveira Tolentino LH, Viana MP, da Silva JD, de Melo Vaz AF, dos Santos Higino SS, de Azevedo SS, Alves CJ. Influence of breed on the clinical and hemato-biochemical parameters in sheep experimentally infected with Leptospira sp. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02720. [PMID: 31687527 PMCID: PMC6820254 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Early diagnosis of leptospirosis may aid in a favorable prognosis in infected animals, but there are few reports of clinical and hematochemical changes in the ovine species, nor whether the breed exerts any influence on the response to infection. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical, biochemical and hematological alterations in Santa Inês and crossbred ewes challenged with Leptospira interrogans serogroup Pomona serovar Kennewicki. Twenty-four sheep were used in this experiment, 12 crossbred (group A) and 12 Santa Inês (group B). In each group, sheep were conjunctivally and intraperitoneally challenged. During 60 days post-infection the ewes were evaluated for the presentation of clinical signs and the blood was collected for hemogram and serum biochemistry. Concentration of urea and creatinine; serum aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST); gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT); total protein and albumin; total bilirubin, direct and indirect were analyzed. The urine of these sheep was collected for urinalysis. Only two Santa Inês sheep showed blood in the urine. Clinical signs implicated in Leptospira sp. infection were not identified. Some sheep had anemia, especially crossbred. However, anemia may be attributed to the more effective cellular response that has been identified in crossbred animals. Only one animal presented leukocytosis with neutrophilia, while 11 presented atypical leukopenia, especially those of the Santa Inês breed. There was a decrease in total protein and albumin, as well as the increase in gammaglutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), especially in Santa Inês sheep. The level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) remained within the normal range for the species. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in conjugated bilirubin levels in challenged animals was detected. Only one sheep intraperitoneally challenged presented a high level of urea in the blood, but the creatinine level remained within the normal range. The intraperitoneal route was responsible for more significant changes (p < 0.05) in the hemogram and biochemistry when compared to the conjunctival route. The results indicate that crossbred sheep have a more efficient cellular response than Santa Inês sheep, which may confer a greater resistance to infection. Clinical signs are not good parameters to follow the development of leptospirosis in crossbred and Santa Inês breed. Hematological and biochemical analyzes were useful in the detection of anemia and possible liver changes caused by leptospirosis. The intraperitoneal route was able to cause more conclusive alterations of the analyzed parameters, however, it is possible that the alterations caused by the conjunctival route reproduce in a more faithful way what happens in a natural situation of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Clebert José Alves
- Transmissible Diseases Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, 58700-970, Patos, PB, Brazil
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Shiokawa K, Welcome S, Kenig M, Lim B, Rajeev S. Epidemiology of Leptospira infection in livestock species in Saint Kitts. Trop Anim Health Prod 2019; 51:1645-1650. [PMID: 30877524 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-019-01859-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This pilot study describes the prevalence of Leptospira infection and exposure in livestock species, cattle, pig, sheep, and goats in Saint Kitts in the Caribbean region. Serum and kidney samples were collected from cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats at a local abattoir between September 2016 and March 2017. Cattle had the highest seroprevalence (79.8%) followed by pigs (64.8%), sheep (39.4%), and goats (24.8%). Highest seroprevalence was observed to serovars, Mankarso in cattle, Bratislava in pigs, Hardjo in sheep, and goats. Leptospira DNA was amplified from kidney samples of 18/99 cattle (18.2%), 11/106 pigs (10.4%), 4/106 sheep (3.8%), and 2/105 goats (1.9%). Our findings warrant further studies to assess leptospirosis associated economic burden to subsistence farmers and public health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanae Shiokawa
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Shamara Welcome
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Michalina Kenig
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Brenda Lim
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Sreekumari Rajeev
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis. .,College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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Hamond C, Silveira CS, Buroni F, Suanes A, Nieves C, Salaberry X, Aráoz V, Costa RA, Rivero R, Giannitti F, Zarantonelli L. Leptospira interrogansserogroup Pomona serovar Kennewicki infection in two sheep flocks with acute leptospirosis in Uruguay. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1186-1194. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Camila Hamond
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela Colonia Uruguay
- Unidad Mixta Pasteur + INIA (UMPI), Institut Pasteur de Montevideo Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Caroline S. Silveira
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela Colonia Uruguay
| | - Florencia Buroni
- División Laboratorios Veterinarios “Miguel C. Rubino”, Laboratorio Regional Noroeste Ministerio de Ganadería Agricultura y Pesca Paysandú Uruguay
| | - Alejandra Suanes
- Departamento de Bacteriología, División Laboratorios Veterinarios “Miguel C. Rubino” Sede Central, Ministerio de Ganadería Agricultura y Pesca Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Cecilia Nieves
- Unidad Mixta Pasteur + INIA (UMPI), Institut Pasteur de Montevideo Montevideo Uruguay
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular & Estructural Institut Pasteur de Montevideo Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Ximena Salaberry
- Departamento de Bacteriología, División Laboratorios Veterinarios “Miguel C. Rubino” Sede Central, Ministerio de Ganadería Agricultura y Pesca Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Virginia Aráoz
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela Colonia Uruguay
| | - Ricardo A. Costa
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela Colonia Uruguay
| | - Rodolfo Rivero
- División Laboratorios Veterinarios “Miguel C. Rubino”, Laboratorio Regional Noroeste Ministerio de Ganadería Agricultura y Pesca Paysandú Uruguay
| | - Federico Giannitti
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela Colonia Uruguay
- Veterinary Population Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Minnesota Saint Paul MN
| | - Leticia Zarantonelli
- Unidad Mixta Pasteur + INIA (UMPI), Institut Pasteur de Montevideo Montevideo Uruguay
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular & Estructural Institut Pasteur de Montevideo Montevideo Uruguay
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