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Artus A, Schafer IJ, Cossaboom CM, Haberling DL, Galloway R, Sutherland G, Browne AS, Roth J, France V, Cranford HM, Kines KJ, Pompey J, Ellis BR, Walke H, Ellis EM. Seroprevalence, distribution, and risk factors for human leptospirosis in the United States Virgin Islands. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010880. [PMCID: PMC9665390 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
The first documented human leptospirosis cases in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) occurred following 2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria. We conducted a representative serosurvey in USVI to estimate the seroprevalence and distribution of human leptospirosis and evaluate local risk factors associated with seropositivity.
Methodology/Principal findings
A stratified, two-stage cluster sampling design was used and consisted of three island strata and random selection of census blocks and then households. All eligible members of selected households were invited to participate (≥5 years old, resided in USVI ≥6 months and ≥6 months/year). Household and individual-level questionnaires were completed, and serum collected from each enrolled individual. Microscopic agglutination test serology was conducted, and bivariate and logistic regression analyses completed to identify risk factors for seropositivity.
In March 2019, 1,161 individuals were enrolled from 918 households in St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. The territory-wide weighted seroprevalence was 4.0% (95% CI:2.3–5.7). Characteristics/exposures independently associated with seropositivity using logistic regression included contact with cows (OR: 39.5; 95% CI: 9.0–172.7), seeing rodents/rodent evidence or contact with rodents (OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.1–5.9), and increasing age (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.002–1.04); full or partial Caucasian/White race was negatively correlated with seropositivity (OR: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.04–0.7). Bivariate analysis showed self-reported jaundice since the 2017 hurricanes (pRR: 5.7; 95% CI: 1.0–33.4) was associated with seropositivity and using a cover/lid on cisterns/rainwater collection containers (pRR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.08–0.8) was protective against seropositivity.
Conclusions/Significance
Leptospirosis seropositivity of 4% across USVI demonstrates an important human disease that was previously unrecognized and emphasizes the importance of continued leptospirosis surveillance and investigation. Local risk factors identified may help guide future human and animal leptospirosis studies in USVI, strengthen leptospirosis public health surveillance and treatment timeliness, and inform targeted education, prevention, and control efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Artus
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ilana J. Schafer
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (IJS); (EME)
| | - Caitlin M. Cossaboom
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Dana L. Haberling
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Renee Galloway
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Graham Sutherland
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - A. Springer Browne
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, U.S. Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Joseph Roth
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, U.S. Virgin Islands, United States of America
- Division of Local and State Readiness, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Valicia France
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, U.S. Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Hannah M. Cranford
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, U.S. Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Kristine J. Kines
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Justine Pompey
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Brett R. Ellis
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, U.S. Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Henry Walke
- Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Esther M. Ellis
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, U.S. Virgin Islands, United States of America
- * E-mail: (IJS); (EME)
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Hamond C, Browne AS, de Wilde LH, Hornsby RL, LeCount K, Anderson T, Stuber T, Cranford HM, Browne SK, Blanchard G, Horner D, Taylor ML, Evans M, Angeli NF, Roth J, Bisgard KM, Salzer JS, Schafer IJ, Ellis BR, Alt DP, Schlater L, Nally JE, Ellis EM. Assessing rodents as carriers of pathogenic Leptospira species in the U.S. Virgin Islands and their risk to animal and public health. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1132. [PMID: 35064157 PMCID: PMC8782869 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04846-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a global zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic bacteria of the genus Leptospira. We sought to determine if rodents in U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are carriers of Leptospira. In total, 140 rodents were sampled, including 112 Mus musculus and 28 Rattus rattus. A positive carrier status was identified for 64/140 (45.7%); 49 (35.0%) were positive by dark-field microscopy, 60 (42.9%) by culture, 63 (45.0%) by fluorescent antibody testing, and 61 (43.6%) by real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR). Molecular typing indicated that 48 isolates were L. borgpetersenii and 3 were L. kirschneri; the remaining nine comprised mixed species. In the single culture-negative sample that was rtPCR positive, genotyping directly from the kidney identified L. interrogans. Serotyping of L. borgpetersenii isolates identified serogroup Ballum and L. kirschneri isolates as serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae. These results demonstrate that rodents are significant Leptospira carriers and adds to understanding the ecoepidemiology of leptospirosis in USVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Hamond
- APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, IA, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, NCAH Leptospira Working Group, Ames, IA, USA
| | - A Springer Browne
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, VI, USA
- Domestic Animal Health Analytics Team, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Leah H de Wilde
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, VI, USA
| | - Richard L Hornsby
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, NCAH Leptospira Working Group, Ames, IA, USA
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center-USDA-ARS, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - Karen LeCount
- APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, IA, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, NCAH Leptospira Working Group, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Tammy Anderson
- APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, IA, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, NCAH Leptospira Working Group, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Tod Stuber
- APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, IA, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, NCAH Leptospira Working Group, Ames, IA, USA
| | | | - Stephanie K Browne
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, VI, USA
- Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gerard Blanchard
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, Charlotte Amalie, VI, USA
| | | | - Marissa L Taylor
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, VI, USA
| | - Michael Evans
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fredericksted, VI, USA
| | - Nicole F Angeli
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Fredericksted, VI, USA
| | - Joseph Roth
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, VI, USA
| | - Kristine M Bisgard
- Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Johanna S Salzer
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ilana J Schafer
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brett R Ellis
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, VI, USA
| | - David P Alt
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, NCAH Leptospira Working Group, Ames, IA, USA
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center-USDA-ARS, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - Linda Schlater
- APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, IA, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, NCAH Leptospira Working Group, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, NCAH Leptospira Working Group, Ames, IA, USA.
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center-USDA-ARS, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, USA.
| | - Esther M Ellis
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, VI, USA
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Cranford HM, Browne AS, LeCount K, Anderson T, Hamond C, Schlater L, Stuber T, Burke-France VJ, Taylor M, Harrison CJ, Matias KY, Medley A, Rossow J, Wiese N, Jankelunas L, de Wilde L, Mehalick M, Blanchard GL, Garcia KR, McKinley AS, Lombard CD, Angeli NF, Horner D, Kelley T, Worthington DJ, Valiulis J, Bradford B, Berentsen A, Salzer JS, Galloway R, Schafer IJ, Bisgard K, Roth J, Ellis BR, Ellis EM, Nally JE. Mongooses (Urva auropunctata) as reservoir hosts of Leptospira species in the United States Virgin Islands, 2019-2020. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009859. [PMID: 34780473 PMCID: PMC8592401 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During 2019-2020, the Virgin Islands Department of Health investigated potential animal reservoirs of Leptospira spp., the bacteria that cause leptospirosis. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated Leptospira spp. exposure and carriage in the small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata, syn: Herpestes auropunctatus), an invasive animal species. This study was conducted across the three main islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), which are St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. We used the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), fluorescent antibody test (FAT), real-time polymerase chain reaction (lipl32 rt-PCR), and bacterial culture to evaluate serum and kidney specimens and compared the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of these laboratory methods. Mongooses (n = 274) were live-trapped at 31 field sites in ten regions across USVI and humanely euthanized for Leptospira spp. testing. Bacterial isolates were sequenced and evaluated for species and phylogenetic analysis using the ppk gene. Anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies were detected in 34% (87/256) of mongooses. Reactions were observed with the following serogroups: Sejroe, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pyrogenes, Mini, Cynopteri, Australis, Hebdomadis, Autumnalis, Mankarso, Pomona, and Ballum. Of the kidney specimens examined, 5.8% (16/270) were FAT-positive, 10% (27/274) were culture-positive, and 12.4% (34/274) were positive by rt-PCR. Of the Leptospira spp. isolated from mongooses, 25 were L. borgpetersenii, one was L. interrogans, and one was L. kirschneri. Positive predictive values of FAT and rt-PCR testing for predicting successful isolation of Leptospira by culture were 88% and 65%, respectively. The isolation and identification of Leptospira spp. in mongooses highlights the potential role of mongooses as a wildlife reservoir of leptospirosis; mongooses could be a source of Leptospira spp. infections for other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M. Cranford
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - A. Springer Browne
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Karen LeCount
- Leptospira Working Group, National Centers for Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Tammy Anderson
- Leptospira Working Group, National Centers for Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Camila Hamond
- Leptospira Working Group, National Centers for Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Linda Schlater
- Leptospira Working Group, National Centers for Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Tod Stuber
- Leptospira Working Group, National Centers for Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Valicia J. Burke-France
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Marissa Taylor
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Cosme J. Harrison
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Katia Y. Matias
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Public Health Laboratory, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Alexandra Medley
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - John Rossow
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Nicholas Wiese
- Laboratory Leadership Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Leanne Jankelunas
- Epidemiology Elective Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Leah de Wilde
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Michelle Mehalick
- St. Croix Animal Welfare Center, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Gerard L. Blanchard
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services, United States Department of Agriculture, Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Keith R. Garcia
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services, United States Department of Agriculture, Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Alan S. McKinley
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services, United States Department of Agriculture, Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Claudia D. Lombard
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Nicole F. Angeli
- United States Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - David Horner
- National Park Service, Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Thomas Kelley
- National Park Service, Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | | | - Jennifer Valiulis
- St. Croix Environmental Association, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Bethany Bradford
- United States Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Are Berentsen
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Johanna S. Salzer
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Renee Galloway
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ilana J. Schafer
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kristine Bisgard
- Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Joseph Roth
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Brett R. Ellis
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Public Health Laboratory, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Esther M. Ellis
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Jarlath E. Nally
- Leptospira Working Group, National Centers for Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- Agricultural Research Service, Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
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Exposure and Carriage of Pathogenic Leptospira in Livestock in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6020085. [PMID: 34073665 PMCID: PMC8163180 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6020085] [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: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
From 2019–2020, the Virgin Islands Department of Health (VIDOH) investigated potential animal reservoirs of Leptospira spp., the pathogenic bacteria that cause leptospirosis. We examined Leptospira exposure and carriage in livestock on the island of St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands (USVI). We utilized the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) to evaluate the sera, and the fluorescent antibody test (FAT), real time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR), and bacterial culture to evaluate urine specimens from livestock (n = 126): 28 cattle, 19 goats, 46 pigs, and 33 sheep. Seropositivity was 37.6% (47/125) with agglutinating antibodies to the following serogroups identified: Australis, Djasiman, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Ballum, Sejroe, Cynopteri, Autumnalis, Hebdomadis, Pomona, Canicola, Grippotyphosa, and Pyrogenes. Urine from 4 animals (4.0%, 4/101) was positive by rt-PCR for lipL32: 2 sheep, 1 goat, and 1 bull. Sequencing of secY amplicons identified L. interrogans in 1 sheep and 1 bull. Livestock in USVI harbor pathogenic Leptospira bacteria and could play a role in the zoonotic cycle of leptospirosis.
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Karim AJ, Abbas ZM. Histopathology of the kidney and seroprevalence of leptospirosis in wild rats in Baghdad Province, Iraq. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ONE HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.14202/ijoh.2021.19-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Leptospirosis, caused by pathogenic leptospires, is a globally emerging infectious disease affecting both humans and animals, which act as reservoirs, with large outbreaks worldwide. The role of rats in dispersing leptospirosis was never investigated in Iraq. Because of the seriousness of the disease and the scarce data regarding this disease in Iraq, this study determines the incidence of leptospirosis in rats and its renal histopathological profile.
Materials and Methods: Of 211 captured rats, 82 apparently healthy rats were included in this study. After euthanatizing, 3-5-ml blood was collected by cardiac puncture. Approximately 0.5 cm3 of the kidney was collected for routine histopathology and stained using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Warthin–Starry (WS) stains. Blood smears were prepared and stained with the WS stain.
Results: All rats (100%) with different age groups were immunoglobulin G (IgG)-positive, and 90.24% of them had the IgG against leptospiral antigens in kidney tissues. The juvenile age group had higher IgG levels than other age groups. Considering sex, no significant differences in the overall results were observed. Serum concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine showed significant increments in the sub-adult and adult IgG- positive groups compared with the IgG-negative groups. No significant alterations were observed in the juvenile group. Using WS stains, 13 and 1 blood smears and 0 and 8 kidney tissues were positive for leptospires in the sub-adult and adult groups, respectively. Microscopical findings of the renal cortex and medulla in the sub-adult IgG-positive group showed hemorrhage, glomerular deterioration, tubular cell degeneration and necrosis with cast formation, periarterial edema, and focal hemorrhage with congestion of peritubular arteries. The adult IgG-positive group revealed deterioration similar to that in the sub-adult group and tended to be chronic. No leptospires were observed using H&E staining.
Conclusion: IgG-positive carrier rats refer to previously exposed or infected rats. Understanding the risk of transmitting the disease to human and animals through a carrier rat's urine is highly predicted and possible mitigation of zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulkarim Jafar Karim
- Unit of Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Zainab Majid Abbas
- Department of Pathological Analysis, Babylon Technical Institute, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Babylon, Iraq
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Marinova-Petkova A, Guendel I, Strysko JP, Ekpo LL, Galloway R, Yoder J, Kahler A, Artus A, Hoffmaster AR, Bower WA, Walke H, Ellis BR, Hunte-Ceasar T, Ellis EM, Schafer IJ. First Reported Human Cases of Leptospirosis in the United States Virgin Islands in the Aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, September-November 2017. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:ofz261. [PMID: 31289729 PMCID: PMC6602892 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Following Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the first case of human leptospirosis ever identified in the US Virgin Islands (USVI) was reported to the Virgin Islands Department of Health. Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial disease caused by Leptospira species found in animal urine and urine-contaminated water and soil. Outbreaks can occur following extreme weather events. Method Additional cases of leptospirosis were identified in the 2.5 months post-hurricanes by reviewing emergency department (ED) records from territorial hospitals for patients demonstrating leptospirosis-consistent symptoms, testing symptomatic patients previously enrolled in the USVI arbovirus surveillance system (VIASS), and adding leptospirosis testing prospectively to VIASS. Available patient sera underwent local rapid diagnostic testing for anti-Leptospira IgM followed by confirmatory microscopic agglutination testing at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Water was collected from cisterns with epidemiologic links to confirmed cases and tested by real-time PCR (qPCR) for pathogenic Leptospira spp. Results Sixteen retrospectively identified symptomatic patients were enrolled in VIASS; 15 with available samples tested negative. Based on review of 5226 ED charts, 6 patients were further investigated; of these, 5 were tested of which 1 was positive. Prospective leptospirosis surveillance tested 57 additional patients; of these, 1 was positive. Water from 1 of 5 tested cisterns was found positive by qPCR. Conclusions This investigation documents the first 3 cases of leptospirosis reported in the USVI and demonstrates how VIASS successfully was adapted to establish leptospirosis surveillance. Contaminated cistern water was identified as a potential source for Leptospira spp. transmission, highlighting the need for additional post-hurricane remediation and disinfection guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atanaska Marinova-Petkova
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.,Laboratory Leadership Service, Division of Scietific Education and Professional Development
| | - Irene Guendel
- United States Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Saint Croix, Virgin Islands
| | - Jonathan P Strysko
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.,Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Scietific Education and Professional Development, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lisa LaPlace Ekpo
- United States Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Saint Croix, Virgin Islands
| | - Renee Galloway
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jonathan Yoder
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Amy Kahler
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Aileen Artus
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Alex R Hoffmaster
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - William A Bower
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Henry Walke
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Brett R Ellis
- United States Virgin Islands Department of Health, Public Health Laboratory, Saint Croix, Virgin Islands
| | - Tai Hunte-Ceasar
- Virgin Islands Department of Health, Office of the Commissioner, Saint Croix, Virgin Islands
| | - Esther M Ellis
- United States Virgin Islands Department of Health, Epidemiology Division, Saint Croix, Virgin Islands
| | - Ilana J Schafer
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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7
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Pratt N, Rajeev S. Leptospira seroprevalence in animals in the Caribbean region: A systematic review. Acta Trop 2018; 182:34-42. [PMID: 29457993 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review summarises the data published on the Leptospira seroprevalence, serovar diversity and distribution among animal species in the Caribbean region. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, and checklist, relevant articles were identified and data were extracted and recorded. The review provided Leptospira seroprevalence data from 16 Caribbean islands (Barbados, Trinidad, Grenada, Puerto Rico, Saint Croix, St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, Antigua, Carriacou, Dominica, Guadalupe, Martinique, Monserrat, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and St. Vincent) in a variety of animal species. Reviewing the literature highlighted the limited amount of data available from limited number of islands. Many of the studies conducted have recorded seroprevalences based on variable and small samples sizes. Besides, serovar panels used for MAT were not consistent between studies. The review indicates that the Leptospira exposure in a given geographic location may change with time and climatic and environmental conditions, and highlights the need to conduct continual surveillance in tropical countries where the climate supports the survival of Leptospira in the environment. Specific attention must be given to standardization of MAT panels and protocols and providing training across laboratories involved in testing. Further, animal and environment testing to isolate and identify circulating Leptospira spp. in a geographic region must actively be pursued. This knowledge is important to implement geographically specific control programs, as risk factors of Leptospira transmission is favoured by various factors such as change in climatic conditions, urbanization, encroachment of wildlife inhabitation, import/export of animals, increase in adventure travel, and water related recreational activities.
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Czopowicz M, Kaba J, Smith L, Szalus-Jordanow O, Nowicki M, Witkowski L, Frymus T. Leptospiral antibodies in the breeding goat population of Poland. Vet Rec 2011; 169:230. [PMID: 21813579 DOI: 10.1136/vr.d4403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
In 2007, a survey was conducted on the prevalence of antibodies to 19 Leptospira serovars in goats in Poland . Sera were collected from adult females of all 49 breeding goat herds in Poland by applying simple random sampling. In total, 736 sera were tested by the microscopic agglutination test. A herd was considered seropositive if at least one goat with a titre of 100 or more was detected. Herd-level seroprevalence of Leptospira was 89.8 per cent and individual-level seroprevalence varied from less than 1.0 to 85.0 per cent among the herds. Antibodies to Leptospira serovars Zanoni, Bratislava, Autumnalis, Australis and Javanica were most frequently detected. Although 40.3 per cent of seropositive goats had high antibody titres (≥ 400), suggesting recent infection, no relationship with abortions or other clinical manifestation of leptospirosis in goats was detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Czopowicz
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Department of Large Animal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
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9
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Levett PN, Whittington CU, Camus E. Serological survey of leptospirosis in livestock animals in the Lesser Antilles. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1996; 791:369-77. [PMID: 8784518 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1996.tb53544.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
A serological survey was performed of 1788 cattle, goats and sheep on 13 islands in the Lesser Antilles. Sera were tested by microscopic agglutination (MAT) using a panel of 22 live antigens. Evidence of past exposure, at a titer of > or = 100, was found in 101 animals (5.6%). Antibodies were more common in cattle and goats (7.2% in each) than in sheep (1.7%). Seroprevalence was highest in cattle in Martinique (20%) and in goats in St. Vincent (23%). The predominant serogroups were Sejroe (largely confined to cattle in Martinique), Autumnalis, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa, and Cynopteri. Eleven cattle from Martinique and 2 sheep with titers of > or = 800 showed evidence of recent infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- P N Levett
- University of the West Indies, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Barbados
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Morshed MG, Konishi H, Terada Y, Arimitsu Y, Nakazawa T. Seroprevalence of leptospirosis in a rural flood prone district of Bangladesh. Epidemiol Infect 1994; 112:527-31. [PMID: 8005218 PMCID: PMC2271510 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268800051220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease. In the present investigation, a total of 89 human sera from a flood prone district of Bangladesh was screened by a one-point microscapsule agglutination test (MCAT). MCAT-positive and -doubtful sera were further tested by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) against 16 reference serovars of Leptospira interrogans, and the antibody titres determined. In MCAT, 34 sera were positive and 22 were doubtful. Among those positive and doubtful sera, 33 and 20, respectively were tested by MAT. Thirty-four out of 53 MCAT-screened samples were MAT-positive. The titres ranged from 20 to 1600 with antibodies to serovars copenhageni, australis, cynopteri and icterohaemorrhagiae being the most prevalent. Eleven MCAT-positive samples failed to react with any strains used by MAT, suggesting the presence of new or untested serovars. Among the MAT-positive samples, the presence of antibody against two or more serovars was more common than that of a single serovar. The present study suggests that rural people in Bangladesh are at high risk to leptospiral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Morshed
- Department of Microbiology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Japan
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