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Lagarde-Guerrero R, Navarro-Arias MDJ, Duran-Pérez SA, Osuna-Ramírez I, Osuna-Martínez LU, Gonzáles-Durán E, Rendon-Maldonado JG. Frequency of Leptospira in the Blood of Patients with Fever of Unknown Origin in Sinaloa, Mexico. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024. [PMID: 39023575 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2024.0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Leptospira is a genus of bacteria that causes the zoonotic disease known as leptospirosis, which mainly affects countries with tropical and subtropical climates. Its prevalence may be underestimated because the initial stage of the infection is characterized by presenting a febrile condition that is easily confused with other diseases, such as dengue. This work reports the frequency of leptospirosis in the blood of patients with febrile symptoms of unknown origin. Materials and Methods: A total of 218 peripheral blood samples were analyzed from volunteer participants from Culiacan Sinaloa in June 2019, one half corresponded to patients with undiagnosed febrile symptoms and the other half to asymptomatic volunteers. Data collected included the age and sex of the participants. Leptospira was detected by qPCR using a fragment of the lipL32 gene from the bacteria's genome as a target. Fisher's exact test was used as a statistical method to estimate the relationship between the infection and the data collected. Results: The study group comprised 134 female and 84 male patients ranging from ages 1 to 92 years, averaging 41 years. In this study, Leptospira infection was identified in the blood of 22/218 participating volunteers (10.09%), of which 20/109 (18.34%) presented febrile symptoms, whereas 2/109 (1.83%) were asymptomatic. The most affected participants were women with ages between 27 and 59 years. However, the analysis of the relationship between infection and the variables studied did not show statistical significance. Conclusions: Leptospirosis was detected in blood samples from patients with undiagnosed febrile illness and asymptomatic symptoms in Sinaloa. The lipL32 gene is useful as a target in identifying Leptospira in human blood in the acute phase of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogelio Lagarde-Guerrero
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biomedicas, Facultad de Ciencias Quimico Biologicas, UAS. Av de las Americas y Blvd., Universitarios, Ciudad Universitaria., Culiacán, 80010 México
| | - María de Jesús Navarro-Arias
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biomedicas, Facultad de Ciencias Quimico Biologicas, UAS. Av de las Americas y Blvd., Universitarios, Ciudad Universitaria., Culiacán, 80010 México
| | - Sergio Alonso Duran-Pérez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biomedicas, Facultad de Ciencias Quimico Biologicas, UAS. Av de las Americas y Blvd., Universitarios, Ciudad Universitaria., Culiacán, 80010 México
| | - Ignacio Osuna-Ramírez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biomedicas, Facultad de Ciencias Quimico Biologicas, UAS. Av de las Americas y Blvd., Universitarios, Ciudad Universitaria., Culiacán, 80010 México
| | - Lorenzo Ulises Osuna-Martínez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biomedicas, Facultad de Ciencias Quimico Biologicas, UAS. Av de las Americas y Blvd., Universitarios, Ciudad Universitaria., Culiacán, 80010 México
| | - Elizabeth Gonzáles-Durán
- Instituto Nacional de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos "Dr. Manuel Martínez Báez" (InDRE), Culiacan, México
| | - José Guadalupe Rendon-Maldonado
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biomedicas, Facultad de Ciencias Quimico Biologicas, UAS. Av de las Americas y Blvd., Universitarios, Ciudad Universitaria., Culiacán, 80010 México
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Xu J, Chen J, Xiong C, Qin L, Hu B, Liu M, Ren Y, Li Y, Cai K, Chen L, Hou W. Pathogenic Leptospira Infections in Hubei Province, Central China. Microorganisms 2022; 11:microorganisms11010099. [PMID: 36677392 PMCID: PMC9865294 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is an important zoonosis that is caused by pathogenic Leptospira, which is considered to be a re-emerging infectious disease in many countries. Rodents are the most important reservoirs for both human and animal infection. An epidemiological survey of pathogenic Leptospira in rodents is important for the prevention and control of leptospirosis. In this study, a total of 964 rodents were captured from six cities in Hubei Province, and two pathogenic Leptospira species (L. interrogans and L. borgpetersenii) were detected using nested PCR with an overall prevalence of 4.8%. L. interrogans was distributed in five sampling sites, which may be the dominant species of pathogenic Leptospira in Hubei Province. In addition, Rattus norvegicus showed a relatively high infection rate, which may play an important role in the transmission and infection of pathogenic Leptospira. This study reveals the prevalence of pathogenic Leptospira in wild rodents in Hubei Province, suggesting that the risk of leptospirosis infection in Hubei Province still exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology/Department of Laboratory Medicine/Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jintao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology/Department of Laboratory Medicine/Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chaorui Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology/Department of Laboratory Medicine/Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lingxin Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology/Department of Laboratory Medicine/Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Institute of Health Inspection and Testing, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control & Prevention, 6 Zuodaoquan Road, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Manqing Liu
- Division of Virology, Wuhan Center for Disease Control & Prevention, 288 Machang Road, Wuhan 430015, China
| | - Yuting Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Virology/Department of Laboratory Medicine/Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yirong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology/Department of Laboratory Medicine/Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Kun Cai
- Institute of Health Inspection and Testing, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control & Prevention, 6 Zuodaoquan Road, Wuhan 430079, China
- Correspondence: (K.C.); (L.C.); (W.H.)
| | - Liangjun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology/Department of Laboratory Medicine/Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
- Correspondence: (K.C.); (L.C.); (W.H.)
| | - Wei Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology/Department of Laboratory Medicine/Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
- Correspondence: (K.C.); (L.C.); (W.H.)
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Shao JW, Wei YH, Yao XY, Chen HY, Liu H, Sun J, Chen SY. Pathogenic Leptospira Species Are Widely Disseminated among Wild Rodents in Urban Areas of Guangzhou, Southern China. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10050873. [PMID: 35630318 PMCID: PMC9147055 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease with global importance caused by pathogenic Leptospira. Rodents are considered the most significant reservoirs for both human and animal infection. Historically, Guangzhou has been an endemic region of human leptospirosis. Although the incidence in humans has significantly decreased in the past decades in China, the epidemiology of pathogenic Leptospira in wild rodents is of great significance for the prevention and control of human leptospirosis. In this study, a total of 296 wild rodents were trapped in urban areas of Guangzhou, in southern China, in 2020. Three pathogenic Leptospira species, i.e., Leptospira interrogans, L. borgpetersenii, and L. kirschneri, were detected by nested PCR in this wild rodent population with an overall prevalence of 9.5%. Additionally, L. interrogans was detected in three of the four captured rodent species, and the relative high prevalence suggests that L. interrogans probably represents the preponderant species of the pathogenic Leptospira circulating in Guangzhou. Taken together, this study reveals a high genetic diversity of pathogenic Leptospira disseminated among wild rodents in the urban areas of Guangzhou and emphasizes that the risk for the occurrence of human leptospirosis in Guangzhou remains high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Wei Shao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China; (J.-W.S.); (X.-Y.Y.); (H.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Yue-Hong Wei
- Department of Parasitic Disease and Endemic Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China; (Y.-H.W.); (H.-Y.C.)
| | - Xin-Yan Yao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China; (J.-W.S.); (X.-Y.Y.); (H.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Hai-Yan Chen
- Department of Parasitic Disease and Endemic Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China; (Y.-H.W.); (H.-Y.C.)
| | - Hong Liu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China; (J.-W.S.); (X.-Y.Y.); (H.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Jing Sun
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China; (J.-W.S.); (X.-Y.Y.); (H.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Shou-Yi Chen
- Department of Parasitic Disease and Endemic Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China; (Y.-H.W.); (H.-Y.C.)
- Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
- Correspondence:
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Hedgehogs as a Potential Source of Zoonotic Pathogens-A Review and an Update of Knowledge. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061754. [PMID: 34208276 PMCID: PMC8230866 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Up to date studies indicate that wild hedgehogs may act as carriers and/or hosts for bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens with zoonotic potential, posing a significant threat to humans. The same applies to domestic hedgehogs, which are increasingly kept as pets. Considering the potential risk of infection to humans through close contact with hedgehogs or the contaminated environment they inhabit, current data on the prevalence of various zoonotic pathogens in these animals is desirable. Abstract Hedgehogs are small insectivorous mammals common across Europe, Asia, and Africa. The increased encroachment of humans into hedgehog habitats has disrupted the human-animal-environment interface. With growing interest in the zoonotic diseases of wildlife species, more studies have been devoted to this subject in the last few years. These papers provide information about known and new emerging diseases. Here we review the current knowledge regarding bacterial, viral, protozoic, and mycotic pathogens with zoonotic potential and assess the importance of hedgehogs as their carriers. Both wild and pet hedgehogs were included in the review. Data from several countries and various hedgehog species were included. The study shows the importance of hedgehogs as carriers of zoonotic diseases and reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens in varied habitats.
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Piredda I, Ponti MN, Palmas B, Noworol M, Pedditzi A, Rebechesu L, Chisu V. Molecular Typing of Pathogenic Leptospira Species Isolated from Wild Mammal Reservoirs in Sardinia. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041109. [PMID: 33924303 PMCID: PMC8069414 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic spirochaetes of the genus Leptospira. Humans can become infected with these bacteria through direct contact with urine from infected animals or indirectly through interaction with a urine contaminated environment. Among wildlife species, rodents are considered the primary reservoir hosts for leptospirosis in rural and urban environments. Epidemiological data, regarding leptospirosis in various wild species in Europe, suggest that these animals play a different role in leptospiral persistence. Unfortunately, studies on the presence and typing of Leptospira species in wild mammals are lacking in Sardinia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Leptospira species in wild mammals. Kidneys collected from carcasses were analyzed by culture and molecular testing. Greater positivity was found in hedgehogs, followed by weasels and rodents. The results obtained suggest that Sardinian fauna may play a possible sentinel role in the transmission cycle of leptospirosis to humans. Gathering this information in different wildlife species is crucial for better understanding of the epidemiology of leptospirosis and for the development of appropriate prevention measures. Abstract Leptospirosis is a global zoonosis caused by pathogenic species of Leptospira that infect a large spectrum of domestic and wild animals. This study is the first molecular identification, characterization, and phylogeny of Leptospira strains with veterinary and zoonotic impact in Sardinian wild hosts. All samples collected were cultured and analyzed by multiplex real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Sequencing, phylogenetic analyses (based on rrs and secY sequences), and Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) based on the analysis of seven concatenated loci were also performed. Results revealed the detection of Leptospira DNA and cultured isolates in 21% and 4% of the samples examined, respectively. Sequence analysis of Leptospira positive samples highlighted the presence of the interrogans and borgpetersenii genospecies that grouped in strongly supported monophyletic clades. MLST analyses identified six different Sequence Types (ST) that clustered in two monophyletic groups specific for Leptospirainterrogans, and L. borgpetersenii. This study provided about the prevalence of leptospires in wild mammals in Sardinia, and increased our knowledge of this pathogen on the island. Monitoring Leptospira strains circulating in Sardinia will help clinicians and veterinarians develop strategic plans for the prevention and control of leptospiral infections.
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Gong XQ, Xiao X, Liu JW, Han HJ, Qin XR, Lei SC, Yu XJ. Occurrence and Genotyping of Coxiella burnetii in Hedgehogs in China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:580-585. [PMID: 32301684 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of query fever (Q fever), and distributes broadly in environment. Livestock are identified as main reservoirs, which may infect people through their contaminative urine, feces, milk, and birth products. Wild animals can also be the potential carriers and transmitters of C. burnetii. To understand the geographic distribution and host species of C. burnetii in China, we investigated the prevalence of C. burnetii in hedgehogs (Erinaceus amurensis) in Hubei Province. Hedgehogs were tested for C. burnetii with PCR targeting three genes (com1, rrs, and icd) followed by multispacer sequence typing (MST). We found that 12.2% (5/41) hedgehogs were PCR positive for C. burnetii. MST revealed presence of two novel genotypes and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strains were similar to a group of isolates from chronic Q fever patients and mammals. This study showed that C. burnetii are highly prevalent in hedgehogs in Hubei Province in central China, suggesting that hedgehogs may play an important role in the ecology and transmission of C. burnetii to humans because it is captured and used as traditional medicine in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qing Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Lab Animal Research Center, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian-Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui-Ju Han
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang-Rong Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Si-Cong Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xue-Jie Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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