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Tam WYJ, Nekouei O, Rizzo F, Cheng LST, Choi YR, Staples M, Hobi S, Gray J, Woodhouse F, Shuen PYM, Chai YF, Beatty JA, Barrs VR. Seroreactivity against Leptospira spp. differs between community cats and privately-owned cats in Hong Kong. One Health 2024; 19:100851. [PMID: 39099887 PMCID: PMC11296049 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease of major One Health significance and public health impact globally, with a wide host range including mammals, cetaceans and herpetofauna. This study aimed to determine Leptospira seroprevalence, risk factors for seroreactivity and prevalence of urinary Leptospira shedding among domestic cats in Hong Kong. Microagglutination testing of 22 Leptospira serovars from 20 serogroups was performed on 738 sera from outdoor free-roaming "community" cats (n = 391) and privately-owned (n = 347) cats. Urine from 268 community cats was tested for pathogenic Leptospira DNA by qPCR targeting lipL32. Potential risk factors associated with exposure were assessed using logistic regression. Overall Leptospira seroprevalence was 9.35%. Of 14 serogroups detected, Javanica (4.3%), Djasiman (2.3%) and Australis (1.5%) were most common. Seroreactivity was significantly higher among community (13.3%) than privately-owned cats (4.9%; OR 2.98 [95% CI 1.68-5.25], P < 0.001), especially to Javanica (7.65% of community cats versus 0.58% of privately-owned cats (P < 0.001). Antibody titres to all serogroups ranged from 1:100 to 1:6400 (median 1:200) and were highest for Javanica (median 1:800). Leptospira DNA was detected in urine from 12/268 community cats (4.48%; median load 6.42 × 102 copies/mL urine; range 1.40 × 101-9.63 × 104). One in three seroreactive community cats with paired urine and blood samples had leptospiruria. After adjusting for source, none of breed, sex, neuter status, age, district rodent infestation rate, serum alanine transaminase or creatinine values were associated with seroreactivity. Cats in Hong Kong are exposed to a diversity of Leptospira serogroups and can shed Leptospira silently in urine. The higher seroprevalence among outdoor free-roaming community cats highlights the importance of environmental drivers in leptospirosis transmission and risks of exposure for sympatric human populations. Gloves should be worn when handling feline urine to minimise the risk of zoonotic transmission from subclinically infected cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Yan Jacqueline Tam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Omid Nekouei
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Francesca Rizzo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lok See Tiffany Cheng
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yan Ru Choi
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Megan Staples
- World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, at Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Stefan Hobi
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jane Gray
- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong), Wan Chai, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fiona Woodhouse
- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong), Wan Chai, Hong Kong, China
| | - Patricia Yi Man Shuen
- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong), Wan Chai, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying Fei Chai
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Julia A. Beatty
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vanessa R. Barrs
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
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Molecular Diagnostic Methods For The Detection of Leptospirosis. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.16.2.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a widespread infectious disease caused by the spirochete Leptospira. The clinical features of leptospirosis are fever, headache, vomiting, jaundice, and the acute form of the disease is commonly called Weil’s disease. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) is a gold standard method used to detect leptospirosis. However, it requires 14 days of time and skilled personnel to detect leptospirosis. Various molecular methods were developed for the rapid detection process, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), multiplex PCR, nested PCR, real-time PCR, and Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Other immuno-based biosensor kits are readily available for the diagnosis of leptospirosis. Though these methods claim to be highly sensitive and specific, each method has its drawbacks. This review discusses the different molecular diagnostic techniques applied for the diagnosis of leptospirosis; elaborating on each method’s sensitivity, specificity, and detection time and the different samples of water, blood, and urine used.
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Hetrick K, Harkin KR, Peddireddi L, Henningson J. Evaluation by polymerase chain reaction assay of persistent shedding of pathogenic leptospires in the urine of dogs with leptospirosis. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 36:133-140. [PMID: 34799884 PMCID: PMC8783323 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16309] [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: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent leptospiruria in naturally infected dogs occurs despite appropriate antibiotic treatment. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES To determine the frequency of persistent leptospiruria in naturally infected dogs and the association of persistent leptospiruria with different antibiotic treatments. ANIMALS Thirty-two dogs of varying age and breed diagnosed with leptospirosis via urine polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR). METHODS A prospective observational study of dogs diagnosed with leptospirosis was undertaken to determine the frequency of persistent leptospiruria as determined by PCR. Clinical presentation of leptospirosis, antibiotic treatment, serum creatinine concentration, and outcome were recorded. RESULTS Fifteen of 32 dogs had a negative urine PCR on the first submission in the study, 5 of 15 received only an aminopenicillin. The remaining 17 dogs had a negative urine PCR on the second (n = 6 dogs), third (n = 5), fourth (n = 5), and eighth (n = 1) submissions. Acute kidney injury was reported in 32/32 dogs. Two of 32 dogs developed chronic kidney disease. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Persistent leptospiruria is common despite treatment with antibiotics frequently recommended for treatment. Follow-up urine PCR to confirm clearance of the organism is recommended in all dogs. In dogs with persistent leptospiruria, chronic kidney disease can develop after acute kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Hetrick
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Kenneth R Harkin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Lalitha Peddireddi
- Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Jamie Henningson
- Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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Schommer SK, Harrison N, Linville M, Samuel MS, Hammond SL, Wells KD, Prather RS. Serologic titers to Leptospira in vaccinated pigs and interpretation for surveillance. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260052. [PMID: 34784395 PMCID: PMC8594815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis and surveillance of pathogenic Leptospira is difficult as organisms may be intermittently shed and in small numbers. Therefore, serologic testing by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) is the primary screening method for leptospirosis. While a MAT titer ≥1:100 is considered to be a positive result, interpretation is complicated by the use of commercial vaccines in pigs. Most guidelines for interpretation of MAT titers in pigs were published in the 1970’s and 1980’s, prior to the development of the current multivalent vaccines. We evaluated MAT titers in routinely vaccinated healthy research pigs compared to their unvaccinated cohorts. Our study confirmed previous reports that the Pomona serovar elicits minimal antibody response even after a second booster 6 months after initial vaccination. However, MAT titers of ≥1:3,200 were detected as early as 4 weeks post initial vaccination for serovars Bratislava and Icterohaemorrhagiae and remained as high as ≥1:1,600 prior to booster at 24 weeks post vaccination. Our study determined that high levels of MAT titers can occur from vaccination alone and high titers are not necessarily indicative of infection. Therefore, the interpretation of MAT titers as indicators of Leptospira infection should be readdressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan K. Schommer
- National Swine Resource and Research Center, Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Nicholas Harrison
- Office of Animal Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Michael Linville
- Office of Animal Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Melissa S. Samuel
- National Swine Resource and Research Center, Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Sabrina L. Hammond
- National Swine Resource and Research Center, Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Kevin D. Wells
- National Swine Resource and Research Center, Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Randall S. Prather
- National Swine Resource and Research Center, Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
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