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Sayanthi Y, Susanna D. Pathogenic Leptospira contamination in the environment: a systematic review. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2024; 14:2324820. [PMID: 38511199 PMCID: PMC10953783 DOI: 10.1080/20008686.2024.2324820] [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: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The pathogenic Leptospira is maintained in renal tubules of certain animals, mostly rodents, and excreted in the urine which can contaminate the environment. It is necessary to detect pathogenic Leptospira in environmental samples. Knowing the survival of Leptospira in the environment (water and soil) can provide an overview of where and how they can be transmitted to humans. Objective Therefore, this study aimed to provide a systematic overview of pathogenic Leptospira presence in water and soil environment, the various species of pathogenic Leptospira that are harmful for human, and the ability to survive using a systematic review method. Methods The search process used four databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and ProQuest. Furthermore, the articles sought were published from 2000 to July 2021, and 38 were analysed. Results The pathogenic Leptospira contamination in water was higher in urban areas, while soil samples were higher in rural areas. Various pathogenic Leptospira detected in the environment were L. alstonii, L. kmetyi, L. noguchii, and L. interrogans. Those pathogenic Leptospira can survive in water at 4-30°C and at pH < 7; in soil, it can survive at a humidity of < 20% and a pH < 6. Conclusion Urban and rural areas have the same risk for leptospirosis disease because pathogenic Leptospira (P1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Sayanthi
- Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
- Department of Training-Services, PT. Immarez Solusi Utama Consultant - Training – Services, Serang, Banten, Indonesia
| | - Dewi Susanna
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
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Suwannin P, Jangpatarapongsa K, Polpanich D, Alhibshi A, Errachid A, Elaissari A. Enhancing leptospirosis control with nanosensing technology: A critical analysis. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 104:102092. [PMID: 37992537 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102092] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a serious health problem in tropical areas; thus, animals shed leptospires in the environment. Humans are accidental hosts infected through exposure to contaminating bacteria in the environment. One health strategy can be applied to protect and eliminate leptospirosis because this cooperates and coordinates activities between doctors, veterinarians, and ecologists. However, conventional methods still have limitations. Therefore, the main challenges of leptospirosis control are the high sensing of detection methods to screen and control the pathogens. Interestingly, nano sensing combined with a leptospirosis detection approach can increase the sensitivity and eliminate some limitations. This article reviews nanomaterial development for an advanced leptospirosis detection method, e.g., latex beads-based agglutination test, magnetic nanoparticles enrichment, and gold-nanoparticles-based immunochromatographic assay. Thus, nanomaterials can be functionalized with biomolecules or sensing molecules utilized in various mechanisms such as biosensors. Over the last decade, many biosensors have been developed for Leptospira spp. pathogen and others. The evolution of biosensors for leptospirosis detection was designed for high efficiency and might be an alternative tool. In addition, the high-sensing fabrications are useful for leptospires screening in very low levels, for example, soil or water from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patcharapan Suwannin
- Center for Research Innovation and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Univ Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon-1, CNRS, ISA-UMR 5280, Villeurbanne 69622, France
| | - Kulachart Jangpatarapongsa
- Center for Research Innovation and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Duangporn Polpanich
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Amani Alhibshi
- Department of Neuroscience Research, Institute of Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelhamid Errachid
- Univ Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon-1, CNRS, ISA-UMR 5280, Villeurbanne 69622, France
| | - Abdelhamid Elaissari
- Univ Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon-1, CNRS, ISA-UMR 5280, Villeurbanne 69622, France.
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Maze MJ, Shirima GM, Lukambagire AHS, Bodenham RF, Rubach MP, Cash-Goldwasser S, Carugati M, Thomas KM, Sakasaka P, Mkenda N, Allan KJ, Kazwala RR, Mmbaga BT, Buza JJ, Maro VP, Galloway RL, Haydon DT, Crump JA, Halliday JEB. Prevalence and risk factors for human leptospirosis at a hospital serving a pastoralist community, Endulen, Tanzania. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011855. [PMID: 38117858 PMCID: PMC10766184 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospirosis is suspected to be a major cause of illness in rural Tanzania associated with close contact with livestock. We sought to determine leptospirosis prevalence, identify infecting Leptospira serogroups, and investigate risk factors for leptospirosis in a rural area of Tanzania where pastoralist animal husbandry practices and sustained livestock contact are common. METHODS We enrolled participants at Endulen Hospital, Tanzania. Patients with a history of fever within 72 hours, or a tympanic temperature of ≥38.0°C were eligible. Serum samples were collected at presentation and 4-6 weeks later. Sera were tested using microscopic agglutination testing with 20 Leptospira serovars from 17 serogroups. Acute leptospirosis cases were defined by a ≥four-fold rise in antibody titre between acute and convalescent serum samples or a reciprocal titre ≥400 in either sample. Leptospira seropositivity was defined by a single reciprocal antibody titre ≥100 in either sample. We defined the predominant reactive serogroup as that with the highest titre. We explored risk factors for acute leptospirosis and Leptospira seropositivity using logistic regression modelling. RESULTS Of 229 participants, 99 (43.2%) were male and the median (range) age was 27 (0, 78) years. Participation in at least one animal husbandry practice was reported by 160 (69.9%). We identified 18 (7.9%) cases of acute leptospirosis, with Djasiman 8 (44.4%) and Australis 7 (38.9%) the most common predominant reactive serogroups. Overall, 69 (30.1%) participants were Leptospira seropositive and the most common predominant reactive serogroups were Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 20, 29.0%), Djasiman (n = 19, 27.5%), and Australis (n = 17, 24.6%). Milking cattle (OR 6.27, 95% CI 2.24-7.52) was a risk factor for acute leptospirosis, and milking goats (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.07-5.16) was a risk factor for Leptospira seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS We identified leptospirosis in approximately one in twelve patients attending hospital with fever from this rural community. Interventions that reduce risks associated with milking livestock may reduce human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Maze
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Gabriel M. Shirima
- School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Matthew P. Rubach
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Shama Cash-Goldwasser
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Manuela Carugati
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Kate M. Thomas
- Centre for International Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Philoteus Sakasaka
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Nestory Mkenda
- Endulen Hospital, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Endulen, Tanzania
| | - Kathryn J. Allan
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Rudovick R. Kazwala
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Joram J. Buza
- School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Venance P. Maro
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Renee L. Galloway
- Special Pathogens Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Daniel T. Haydon
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - John A. Crump
- Centre for International Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jo E. B. Halliday
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Gizamba JM, Mugisha L. Leptospirosis in humans and selected animals in Sub-Saharan Africa, 2014-2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:649. [PMID: 37784071 PMCID: PMC10546638 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08574-5] [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: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospirosis is an emerging neglected tropical zoonotic disease of public health importance causing substantial morbidities and mortalities among humans. The infection is maintained within the population through interactions between humans, animals, and the environment. Understanding the burden of disease in both humans and animals is necessary for effective prevention and control in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Therefore, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in humans, selected domestic animals, and rodents in SSA. METHODS A comprehensive search was done in six databases: Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Web of Science, and African Journals Online databases for articles published between 01 January 2014 and 30 August 2022. Thirty-seven articles distributed across 14 out of 46 countries in SSA were included. The random effects meta-analysis model was used to pool the extracted seroprevalence data. RESULTS The overall pooled seroprevalence of leptospirosis among humans was 12.7% (95% CI: 7.5,20.8), 15.1% (95% CI: 9.4,23.5), and 4.5% (95% CI: 0.4, 35.6) based on results obtained using ELISA, MAT, and PCR diagnostic methods respectively. The pooled seroprevalence estimates among cattle were 29.2%, 30.1%, and 9.7% based on ELISA, MAT, and PCR respectively. Further, the pooled seroprevalence in goats was 30.0% for studies that used MAT, and among rodents, the pooled seroprevalence estimates were 21.0% for MAT and 9.6% for PCR diagnostic criteria. The seroprevalence of leptospirosis varied extensively between studies, across SSA regions and study setting (rural or urban). CONCLUSION Leptospirosis is widespread in SSA in both humans and animals based on the current results of the pooled seroprevalence in the limited studies available. The burden is high in animals and humans and underestimated due to limited studies and challenges with limited diagnostic capacity in most healthcare settings in SSA. Hence, we recommend that leptospirosis should be listed as a disease of concern and be included on the list of routine diagnostics among patients presenting with febrile illness in healthcare settings. Further, we recommend the enhancement of surveillance of leptospirosis in all countries in SSA and the development of strategies with a One Health perspective to effectively prevent and control leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Mugoya Gizamba
- Department of Wildlife and Aquatic Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
- Spatial Science Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Lawrence Mugisha
- Department of Wildlife and Aquatic Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
- Ecohealth Research Group, Conservation &Ecosystem Health Alliance, Kampala, Uganda.
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Comia IR, Miambo RD, Noormahomed EV, Mahoche M, Pondja A, Schooley RT, Benson C, Sacarlal J. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the epidemiology of Leptospirosis in HIV uninfected and in people living with HIV from the Southern African Development Community. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010823. [PMID: 36508469 PMCID: PMC9744292 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospirosis is an occupational, neglected febrile disease of bacterial origin transmitted between humans and animals. In this manuscript we summarize available data on Leptospira infection in HIV uninfected and in people living with HIV from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, identifying gaps in knowledge and recommend future research priorities. METHODOLOGY Articles published between 1990 and 2021 were accessed by an online search of Google Scholar and Medline/PubMed performed between February 2020 and July 2022. The STATA program was used for the Meta-analysis. Pooled prevalence values with 95% confidence intervals and heterogeneity were determined. RESULTS Thirty studies from eight SADC countries, reporting the prevalence on Leptospira were reviewed. A pooled prevalence of 19% (CI: 13-25%), a heterogeneity level of 96% and index score ranging from 2 to 9 was determined. Only four (4) studies reported HIV co-infection status. Three species of Leptospira (Leptospira interrogans (4), L. kirschneri (3), Leptospira borgpetersenii (1) and 23 serogroups were identified. The most frequently reported serogroups were Icterohaemorrhagiae (13), Grippotyphosa and Australis (10) followed by Sejroe (8). CONCLUSION Studies on human leptospirosis in the SADC region are scarce, especially in people living with HIV. Additional studies aimed at determining the prevalence and the role of the pathogen in people living with HIV, including detailed clinical, molecular and demographic data are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isac Rodrigues Comia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Lúrio University, Nampula, Mozambique
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Regina Daniel Miambo
- Department of Para-Clinics, Faculty of Veterinary, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
- Mozambique Institute for Health Education and Research (MIHER), Maputo, Mozambique
- * E-mail:
| | - Emília Virgínia Noormahomed
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
- Mozambique Institute for Health Education and Research (MIHER), Maputo, Mozambique
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Manuel Mahoche
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Lúrio University, Nampula, Mozambique
- Mozambique Institute for Health Education and Research (MIHER), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Alberto Pondja
- Department of Para-Clinics, Faculty of Veterinary, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Robert Turner Schooley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Constance Benson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Jahit Sacarlal
- Mozambique Institute for Health Education and Research (MIHER), Maputo, Mozambique
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Soares RR, da Costa Barnabé NN, Júnior JPA, Malossi CD, Ullmann LS, da Costa DF, Rodrigues Silva MLC, dos Santos Higino SS, de Azevedo SS, Alves CJ. Investigation of the Presence of Leptospira interrogans in Urinary and Genital Tracts of Male Goats Raised in the Semiarid Region of Brazil. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Thomas KM, Kibona T, Claxton JR, de Glanville WA, Lankester F, Amani N, Buza JJ, Carter RW, Chapman GE, Crump JA, Dagleish MP, Halliday JEB, Hamilton CM, Innes EA, Katzer F, Livingstone M, Longbottom D, Millins C, Mmbaga BT, Mosha V, Nyarobi J, Nyasebwa OM, Russell GC, Sanka PN, Semango G, Wheelhouse N, Willett BJ, Cleaveland S, Allan KJ. Prospective cohort study reveals unexpected aetiologies of livestock abortion in northern Tanzania. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11669. [PMID: 35803982 PMCID: PMC9270399 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15517-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Livestock abortion is an important cause of productivity losses worldwide and many infectious causes of abortion are zoonotic pathogens that impact on human health. Little is known about the relative importance of infectious causes of livestock abortion in Africa, including in subsistence farming communities that are critically dependent on livestock for food, income, and wellbeing. We conducted a prospective cohort study of livestock abortion, supported by cross-sectional serosurveillance, to determine aetiologies of livestock abortions in livestock in Tanzania. This approach generated several important findings including detection of a Rift Valley fever virus outbreak in cattle; high prevalence of C. burnetii infection in livestock; and the first report of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, and pestiviruses associated with livestock abortion in Tanzania. Our approach provides a model for abortion surveillance in resource-limited settings. Our findings add substantially to current knowledge in sub-Saharan Africa, providing important evidence from which to prioritise disease interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate M Thomas
- Centre for International Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania.
- Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand Food Safety, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Tito Kibona
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tengeru, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - John R Claxton
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - William A de Glanville
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Felix Lankester
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Global Animal Health Tanzania, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Nelson Amani
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Joram J Buza
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tengeru, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Ryan W Carter
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gail E Chapman
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - John A Crump
- Centre for International Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Jo E B Halliday
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Caroline Millins
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Blandina T Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Victor Mosha
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - James Nyarobi
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Obed M Nyasebwa
- Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Zonal Veterinary Centre-Arusha, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Paul N Sanka
- Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - George Semango
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tengeru, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Nick Wheelhouse
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Brian J Willett
- Medical Research Council, University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sarah Cleaveland
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kathryn J Allan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Gutiérrez-Molina R, Acevedo P, Sánchez-Montes S, Romero-Salas D, López-Ortiz S, Flores-Primo A, Cruz-Romero A. Spatial epidemiology of Leptospira sp. exposure in bovines from Veracruz, México. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e682-e692. [PMID: 34657392 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14346] [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: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bovine leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects cattle herds, causing economic losses due to reproductive problems which require expensive treatments. The main source of transmission for cattle is still uncertain, but rodents and bats can play an important role in the transmission cycle by being maintenance hosts for the pathogenic species of the bacterium and spreading it through urine. In this study, we characterize possible risk areas for bovine leptospirosis exposure in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, based on the geographical distribution of flying (bats) and terrestrial (rodents and opossums) wild hosts of Leptospira sp. reported in Mexico, in addition to climate, geography, soil characteristics, land use and human activities (environmental variables). We used a generalized linear regression model to understand the association between the frequency of anti-Leptospira sp. antibodies (a proxy of exposure) in cattle herds exposed to Leptospira, the favourability of wild hosts of Leptospira as well as the environmental variables. The parameterized model explained 12.3% of the variance. The frequency of anti-Leptospira sp. antibodies exposure in cattle herds was associated with elevation, geographic longitude, pH of the soil surface and environmental favourability for the presence of rodents, opossums and bats. The variation in exposure was mainly explained by a longitudinal gradient (6.4% of the variance) and the favourability-based indices for wild hosts (9.6% of the variance). Describing the possible risks for exposure to Leptospira in an important and neglected livestock geographical region, we provide valuable information for the selection of areas for diagnosis and prevention of this relevant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pelayo Acevedo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (UCLM-CSIC-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Sokani Sánchez-Montes
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Tuxpan, Veracruz, México
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, México
| | - Dora Romero-Salas
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, México
| | | | - Argel Flores-Primo
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, México
| | - Anabel Cruz-Romero
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, México
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9
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Motto SK, Shirima GM, de Clare Bronsvoort BM, Cook EAJ. Epidemiology of leptospirosis in Tanzania: A review of the current status, serogroup diversity and reservoirs. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009918. [PMID: 34784354 PMCID: PMC8631673 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tanzania is among the tropical countries of Sub-Saharan Africa with the environmental conditions favorable for transmission of Leptospira. Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease, and although there are several published reports from Tanzania, the epidemiology, genetic diversity of Leptospira and its host range are poorly understood. Methods We conducted a comprehensive review of human and animal leptospirosis within the 26 regions of the Tanzanian mainland. Literature searches for the review were conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar. We further manually identified studies from reference lists among retrieved studies from the preliminary search. Results We identified thirty-four studies describing leptospirosis in humans (n = 16), animals (n = 14) and in both (n = 4). The number of studies varied significantly across regions. Most of the studies were conducted in Morogoro (n = 16) followed by Kilimanjaro (n = 9) and Tanga (n = 5). There were a range of study designs with cross-sectional prevalence studies (n = 18), studies on leptospirosis in febrile patients (n = 13), a case control study in cattle (n = 1) and studies identifying novel serovars (n = 2). The most utilized diagnostic tool was the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) which detected antibodies to 17 Leptospira serogroups in humans and animals. The Leptospira serogroups with the most diverse hosts were Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 11), Grippotyphosa (n = 10), Sejroe (n = 10), Pomona (n = 9) and Ballum (n = 8). The reported prevalence of Leptospira antibodies in humans ranged from 0.3–29.9% and risk factors were associated with occupational animal contact. Many potential reservoir hosts were identified with the most common being rodents and cattle. Conclusion Leptospirosis is prevalent in humans and animals in Tanzania, although there is regional and host variation in the reports. Many regions do not have information about the disease in either humans or their animal reservoirs. More studies are required to understand human leptospirosis determinants and the role of livestock in leptospirosis transmission to humans for the development of appropriate control strategies. Bacteria from the genus Leptospira is an important agent for causing a disease called leptospirosis in humans and a range of animal species. Leptospirosis is often under-recognized as it presents varied symptoms that mimic malaria, typhoid, brucellosis and other diseases. More than 250 pathogenic Leptospira serovars are known to cause leptospirosis in humans and animals. The diversity of Leptospira serovars and their distribution in humans and animals is little defined in Tanzania. We conducted a systematic review to gather information on the diversity of Leptospira serovars with their reservoir distribution and the most common diagnostics methods used. We included studies (n = 34) in the review and found 17 serogroups described in 28 studies that utilized microscopic agglutination test (MAT). So far human and other animal hosts including cattle, dogs, pigs, bats, buffalo, fish, rodents, goats, lion, zebra, sheep and shrews have been investigated for leptospirosis in Tanzania. Our results show that cattle and rodents are likely to be important reservoirs of pathogenic Leptospira spp. and can be a source of human leptospirosis principally in the farming system. Further studies are needed to explore predominant serovars in livestock for the development of prevention strategies to reduce transmission and risks in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabani Kiyabo Motto
- Department of Global Health and Bio-Medical Sciences, School of Life Science and Bio-engineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
- Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency, Central Veterinary Laboratory, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- * E-mail: (SKM); (EAJC)
| | - Gabriel Mkilema Shirima
- Department of Global Health and Bio-Medical Sciences, School of Life Science and Bio-engineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Barend Mark de Clare Bronsvoort
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Anne Jessie Cook
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, ILRI, Nairobi, Kenya
- * E-mail: (SKM); (EAJC)
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10
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Goosen W, Moseley MH, Kerr TJ, Potts A, Miller M. The Seroepidemiology of a Neglected Zoonotic and Livestock Pathogen in Free-Ranging Bovids: Leptospirosis in African Buffaloes ( Syncerus caffer). Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091072. [PMID: 34578105 PMCID: PMC8469302 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-host pathogens are challenging to control and are responsible for some of the most important diseases of humans, livestock, and wildlife. Leptospira spp. are some of the most common multi-host pathogens and represent an important cause of zoonotic infections and livestock productivity loss in the developing world, where contact with wildlife species is common. Although there is increasing evidence that cattle in Africa harbour a broad diversity of Leptospira genotypes and serovars, little is known about the epidemiology of these pathogens in wild bovids, such as African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer). Using microscopic agglutination testing (MAT) on serum samples collected from free-ranging buffaloes (n = 98) captured in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP), South Africa, we demonstrated an overall seroprevalence of 21% with seropositivity almost exclusively limited to serovar Tarassovi (serogroup Tarassovi). Moreover, we found no evidence of seropositivity in unweaned calves and showed temporal- or herd-specific variation in exposure risk, and increased probability of seropositivity (OR = 5.44, 95% CI = 1.4–27) in female buffaloes. Together, these findings demonstrate that free-ranging African buffaloes are exposed to Leptospira spp. infections, providing insights into the epidemiology of an emerging Leptospira serovar in herds with an absence of any disease control and minimal management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wynand Goosen
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; (W.G.); (T.J.K.); (M.M.)
| | - Mark Hamish Moseley
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Tanya Jane Kerr
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; (W.G.); (T.J.K.); (M.M.)
| | - Andrew Potts
- Agricultural Research Council—Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa;
| | - Michele Miller
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; (W.G.); (T.J.K.); (M.M.)
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11
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Mai LTP, Dung LP, Than PD, Dinh TV, Quyet NT, Hai H, Mai TNP, Hanh NTM, Ly NK. Leptospira infection among human-close-contact animals in different geographical areas in Vietnam. Sci Prog 2021; 104:368504211031747. [PMID: 34261382 PMCID: PMC10450701 DOI: 10.1177/00368504211031747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a neglected disease in Vietnam. Only a few studies have evaluated the status of Leptospira infection in both humans and animals. To our knowledge, this is the first serological survey of Leptospira in both domestic and wild animals, which may act as reservoirs of this agent. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of Leptospira in animals that are in close contact with humans in different geographical areas in Vietnam. Sera were collected from 1205 individual animals of six species, including buffaloes, cattle, cats, dogs, swine, and rats. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) against 25 serovars of Leptospira spp. has been employed to detect serovars of Leptospira among the studied population. Overall, 44.2% of buffaloes, 24.9% of cattle, 10.2% of swine, 32.9% of dogs, 12.2% of cats, and 16% of rats were seropositive. A total of 17 different serovars were detected, of which serovars Hebdomadis and Canicola circulated in all the studied animal species. Variability of the predominant serovars circulating in animal species and in different geographical areas of Vietnam has been noted. We conclude that this study showed a high prevalence of Leptospira circulating in animals that are in close contact with humans, raising an alert of the important sources of pathogenic leptospires transmission to humans in Vietnam. These findings prove an imperative need for effective measures for disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luu Phuong Dung
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Phan Dang Than
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Tran Van Dinh
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Nguyen Tu Quyet
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Hoang Hai
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Viet Nam
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12
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Theonest NO, Carter RW, Kasagama E, Keyyu JD, Shirima GM, Tarimo R, Thomas KM, Wheelhouse N, Maro VP, Haydon DT, Buza JJ, Allan KJ, Halliday JE. Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii infection in small mammals from Moshi Rural and Urban Districts, northern Tanzania. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:960-967. [PMID: 33277971 PMCID: PMC8136964 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes Q fever, a zoonotic disease of public health importance. In northern Tanzania, Q fever is a known cause of human febrile illness, but little is known about its distribution in animal hosts. We used a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) targeting the insertion element IS1111 to determine the presence and prevalence of C. burnetii infections in small mammals trapped in 12 villages around Moshi Rural and Moshi Urban Districts, northern Tanzania. A total of 382 trapped small mammals of seven species were included in the study; Rattus rattus (n = 317), Mus musculus (n = 44), Mastomys natalensis (n = 8), Acomys wilson (n = 6), Mus minutoides (n = 3), Paraxerus flavovottis (n = 3) and Atelerix albiventris (n = 1). Overall, 12 (3.1%) of 382 (95% CI: 1.6-5.4) small mammal spleens were positive for C. burnetii DNA. Coxiella burnetii DNA was detected in five of seven of the small mammal species trapped; R. rattus (n = 7), M. musculus (n = 1), A. wilson (n = 2), P. flavovottis (n = 1) and A. albiventris (n = 1). Eleven (91.7%) of twelve (95% CI: 61.5-99.8) C. burnetii DNA positive small mammals were trapped within Moshi Urban District. These findings demonstrate that small mammals in Moshi, northern Tanzania are hosts of C. burnetii and may act as a source of C. burnetii infection to humans and other animals. This detection of C. burnetii infections in small mammals should motivate further studies into the contribution of small mammals to the transmission of C. burnetii to humans and animals in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ndyetabura O. Theonest
- School of Life Sciences and BioengineeringNelson Mandela African Institution of Science and TechnologyArushaTanzania
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research InstituteMoshiTanzania
| | - Ryan W. Carter
- The Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem HealthInstitute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative MedicineCollege of Medical Veterinary and Life SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | | | | | - Gabriel M. Shirima
- School of Life Sciences and BioengineeringNelson Mandela African Institution of Science and TechnologyArushaTanzania
| | | | - Kate M. Thomas
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research InstituteMoshiTanzania
- Centre for International HealthDunedin School of MedicineUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Nick Wheelhouse
- School of Applied SciencesEdinburgh Napier UniversityEdinburghUK
| | - Venance P. Maro
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University CollegeMoshiTanzania
| | - Daniel T. Haydon
- The Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem HealthInstitute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative MedicineCollege of Medical Veterinary and Life SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Joram J. Buza
- School of Life Sciences and BioengineeringNelson Mandela African Institution of Science and TechnologyArushaTanzania
| | - Kathryn J. Allan
- The Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem HealthInstitute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative MedicineCollege of Medical Veterinary and Life SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Jo E.B. Halliday
- The Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem HealthInstitute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative MedicineCollege of Medical Veterinary and Life SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
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13
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Campbell Z, Coleman P, Guest A, Kushwaha P, Ramuthivheli T, Osebe T, Perry B, Salt J. Prioritizing smallholder animal health needs in East Africa, West Africa, and South Asia using three approaches: Literature review, expert workshops, and practitioner surveys. Prev Vet Med 2021; 189:105279. [PMID: 33581421 PMCID: PMC8024747 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Managing the health needs of livestock contributes to reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of smallholder and pastoralist livestock keepers globally. Animal health practitioners, producers, policymakers, and researchers all must prioritize how to mobilize limited resources. This study employed three approaches to prioritize animal health needs in East and West Africa and South Asia to identify diseases and syndromes that impact livestock keepers. The approaches were a) systematic literature review, b) a series of expert workshops, and c) a practitioner survey of veterinarians and para-veterinary professionals. The top constraints that emerged from all three approaches include endo/ ectoparasites, foot and mouth disease, brucellosis, peste des petits ruminants, Newcastle disease, and avian influenza. Expert workshops additionally identified contagious caprine pleuropneumonia, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, mastitis, and reproductive disorders as constraints not emphasized in the literature review. Practitioner survey results additionally identified nutrition as a constraint for smallholder dairy and pastoralist small ruminant production. Experts attending the workshops agreed most constraints can be managed using existing veterinary technologies and best husbandry practices, which supports a shift away from focusing on individual diseases and new technologies towards addressing systemic challenges that limit access to veterinary services and inputs. Few research studies focused on incidence/ prevalence of disease and impact, suggesting better incorporation of socio-economic impact measures in future research would better represent the interests of livestock keepers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë Campbell
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya.
| | - Paul Coleman
- H20 Venture Partners, 33-35 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AY, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Guest
- H20 Venture Partners, 33-35 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AY, United Kingdom
| | - Peetambar Kushwaha
- GALVmed Asia Office, Unit 118 & 120 B, Splendor Forum, Plot No 3, Jasola District Centre, Jasola, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Thembinkosi Ramuthivheli
- GALVmed Africa Office, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Swing One, Naivasha Road, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tom Osebe
- GALVmed Africa Office, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Swing One, Naivasha Road, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Brian Perry
- Nuffield College of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Arthurstone House, Meigle, Blairgowrie, PH12 8QW, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy Salt
- GALVmed UK Office, Doherty Building, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik Edinburgh, EH26 0PZ, Scotland, United Kingdom
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14
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Hammoudi N, Davoust B, Dizoe S, Le Guyader M, Drancourt M, Bouam A, Kodjo A. Molecular Detection of Pathogenic Leptospira in Grasscutters ( Thryonomys swinderianus) from Côte d'Ivoire. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:924-926. [PMID: 32614679 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The geographical and climatic conditions, hot and humid in Côte d'Ivoire, are favorable to the prolonged survival of leptospira in the environment. In this country, cases of human leptospirosis are underestimated and the wild reservoirs unknown. In this study, 16S rDNA PCR-sequencing and variable number of tandem repeats typing investigations were performed in kidneys collected from 60 grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus) around the city of Yamoussoukro, including 10 bred grasscutters and 50 bush meat grasscutters. One sample was positive for Leptospira borgptersenii and another one for Leptospira interrogans; both collected from wild animals. Our study suggests that grasscutters, which are abundant wild rodents hunted and bred for culinary preparations in this region, can be healthy carriers of leptospira. Thus, hygiene measures should be taken, particularly by hunters and cooks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nassim Hammoudi
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | | | - Marine Le Guyader
- Leptospirosis Laboratory, VetAgro Sup, Veterinary Campus of Lyon, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Michel Drancourt
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Amar Bouam
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Angeli Kodjo
- Leptospirosis Laboratory, VetAgro Sup, Veterinary Campus of Lyon, Marcy l'Etoile, France
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15
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Peterson AC, Ghersi BM, Riegel C, Wunder EA, Childs JE, Blum MJ. Amplification of pathogenic Leptospira infection with greater abundance and co-occurrence of rodent hosts across a counter-urbanizing landscape. Mol Ecol 2020; 30:2145-2161. [PMID: 33107122 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Land use change can elevate disease risk by creating conditions beneficial to species that carry zoonotic pathogens. Observations of concordant global trends in increased pathogen prevalence or disease incidence and landscape change have generated concerns that urbanization could increase transmission risk of some pathogens. Yet host-pathogen relationships underlying transmission risk have not been well characterized within cities, even where contact between humans and species capable of transmitting pathogens of concern occurs. We addressed this deficit by testing the hypothesis that areas in cities experiencing greater population loss and infrastructure decline (i.e., counter-urbanization) can support a greater diversity of host species and a larger and more diverse pool of pathogens. We did so by characterizing pathogenic Leptospira infection relative to rodent host richness and abundance across a mosaic of abandonment in post-Katrina New Orleans (Louisiana, USA). We found that Leptospira infection loads were highest in areas that harboured increased rodent species richness (which ranged from one to four rodent species detected). Areas with greater host co-occurrence also harboured a greater abundance of hosts, including the host species most likely to carry high infection loads, indicating that Leptospira infection can be amplified by increases in overall and relative host abundance. Evidence of shared infection among rodent host species indicates that cross-species transmission of Leptospira probably increases infection at sites with greater host richness. Additionally, evidence that rodent co-occurrence and abundance and Leptospira infection load parallel abandonment suggests that counter-urbanization can elevate zoonotic disease risk within cities, particularly in underserved communities that are burdened with disproportionate concentrations of derelict properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Peterson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Bruno M Ghersi
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Claudia Riegel
- City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite, Rodent Control Board, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Elsio A Wunder
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Salvador, Brazil
| | - James E Childs
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael J Blum
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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16
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Allan KJ, Maze MJ, Galloway RL, Rubach MP, Biggs HM, Halliday JEB, Cleaveland S, Saganda W, Lwezaula BF, Kazwala RR, Mmbaga BT, Maro VP, Crump JA. Molecular Detection and Typing of Pathogenic Leptospira in Febrile Patients and Phylogenetic Comparison with Leptospira Detected among Animals in Tanzania. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:1427-1434. [PMID: 32748767 PMCID: PMC7543812 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular data are required to improve our understanding of the epidemiology of leptospirosis in Africa and to identify sources of human infection. We applied molecular methods to identify the infecting Leptospira species and genotypes among patients hospitalized with fever in Tanzania and compared these with Leptospira genotypes detected among animals in Tanzania to infer potential sources of human infection. We performed lipL32 real-time PCR to detect the presence of pathogenic Leptospira in acute-phase plasma, serum, and urine samples obtained from study participants with serologically confirmed leptospirosis and participants who had died with febrile illness. Leptospira blood culture was also performed. In positive specimens, we performed species-specific PCR and compared participant Leptospira secY sequences with Leptospira reference sequences and sequences previously obtained from animals in Tanzania. We detected Leptospira DNA in four (3.6%) of 111 participant blood samples. We detected Leptospira borgpetersenii (one participant, 25.0%), Leptospira interrogans (one participant, 25.0%), and Leptospira kirschneri (one participant, 25.0%) (one [25%] undetermined). Phylogenetic comparison of secY sequence from the L. borgpetersenii and L. kirschneri genotypes detected from participants was closely related to but distinct from genotypes detected among local livestock species. Our results indicate that a diverse range of Leptospira species is causing human infection. Although our analysis suggests a close relationship between Leptospira genotypes found in people and livestock, continued efforts are needed to obtain more Leptospira genetic material from human leptospirosis cases to help prioritize Leptospira species and genotypes for control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J. Allan
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J. Maze
- Centre for International Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand;,Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand;,Address correspondence to Michael J. Maze, Department of Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 4345, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand. E-mail:
| | - Renee L. Galloway
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Matthew P. Rubach
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina;,Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina;,Programme for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Holly M. Biggs
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jo E. B. Halliday
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Cleaveland
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Rudovick R. Kazwala
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania;,Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania;,Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Venance P. Maro
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania;,Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - John A. Crump
- Centre for International Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand;,Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina;,Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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17
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Zakharova OI, Korennoy FI, Toropova NN, Burova OA, Blokhin AA. Environmental Risk of Leptospirosis in Animals: The Case of The Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russian Federation. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9060504. [PMID: 32585952 PMCID: PMC7350306 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9060504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic natural focal disease caused by the pathogenic bacteria Leptospira. Its spread is related to certain ecological factors. The aim of the current research was to assess potential exposure to the infection as a function of environmental determinants in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russian Federation. We applied environmental niche modeling using leptospirosis cases in livestock and wild animals in 1995–2019 with regard to a set of landscape, climatic, and socioeconomic variables, both for the current climate and for the projected climate for 2041–2060. The MaxEnt model performed well (AUC = 0.930), with the mean temperature of the warmest quarter, mean diurnal range, land cover type, and altitude being the most contributing variables. Consequent zoning based on the proportion of high-risk cells within each administrative unit suggested that five out of the 36 districts of the Republic are at high risk in the current climate conditions, with three more districts expected to demonstrate a high risk by 2060. This study presents the first-ever attempt at leptospirosis ecological modeling in Russia. Its results correspond well to the findings of other authors and underline the importance of considering ecological factors when conducting a leptospirosis risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga I. Zakharova
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute-Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; (N.N.T.); (O.A.B.); (A.A.B.)
- Correspondence: (O.I.Z.); (F.I.K.); Tel.: +7-950-617-16-01 (O.I.Z.)
| | - Fedor I. Korennoy
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute-Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; (N.N.T.); (O.A.B.); (A.A.B.)
- Federal Center for Animal Health (FGBI ARRIAH), 600901 Vladimir, Russia
- Correspondence: (O.I.Z.); (F.I.K.); Tel.: +7-950-617-16-01 (O.I.Z.)
| | - Nadezhda N. Toropova
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute-Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; (N.N.T.); (O.A.B.); (A.A.B.)
| | - Olga A. Burova
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute-Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; (N.N.T.); (O.A.B.); (A.A.B.)
| | - Andrey A. Blokhin
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute-Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; (N.N.T.); (O.A.B.); (A.A.B.)
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18
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Pathogenic Leptospira and their animal reservoirs: testing host specificity through experimental infection. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7239. [PMID: 32350316 PMCID: PMC7190861 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64172-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic Leptospira transmitted through contact with contaminated environments. Most mammalian species are infectable by Leptospira but only few act as efficient reservoir being capable of establishing long term kidney colonization and shedding Leptospira in urine. In Madagascar, a large diversity of pathogenic Leptospira display a tight specificity towards their endemic volant or terrestrial mammalian hosts. The basis of this specificity is unknown: it may indicate some genetically determined compatibility between host cells and bacteria or only reflect ecological constraints preventing contacts between specific hosts. In this study, Rattus norvegicus was experimentally infected with either Leptospira interrogans, Leptospira borgpetersenii or Leptospira mayottensis isolated from rats, bats or tenrecs, respectively. Leptospira borgpetersenii and L. mayottensis do not support renal colonization as featured by no shedding of live bacteria in urine and low level and sporadic detection of Leptospira DNA in kidneys. In contrast 2 out of the 7 R. norvegicus challenged with L. interrogans developed renal colonization and intense Leptospira shedding in urine throughout the 3 months of experimental infection. These data suggest that host-Leptospira specificity in this biodiversity hotspot is driven at least in part by genetic determinants likely resulting from long-term co-diversification processes.
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19
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Philip N, Bahtiar Affendy N, Ramli SNA, Arif M, Raja P, Nagandran E, Renganathan P, Taib NM, Masri SN, Yuhana MY, Than LTL, Seganathirajah M, Goarant C, Goris MGA, Sekawi Z, Neela VK. Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira kirschneri are the dominant Leptospira species causing human leptospirosis in Central Malaysia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008197. [PMID: 32203511 PMCID: PMC7117766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospirosis, commonly known as rat-urine disease, is a global but endemic zoonotic disease in the tropics. Despite the historical report of leptospirosis in Malaysia, the information on human-infecting species is limited. Determining the circulating species is important to understand its epidemiology, thereby to strategize appropriate control measures through public health interventions, diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccine development. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPLE FINDINGS We investigated the human-infecting Leptospira species in blood and serum samples collected from clinically suspected leptospirosis patients admitted to three tertiary care hospitals in Malaysia. From a total of 165 patients, 92 (56%) were confirmed cases of leptospirosis through Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) (n = 43; 47%), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) (n = 63; 68%) or both MAT and PCR (n = 14; 15%). The infecting Leptospira spp., determined by partial 16S rDNA (rrs) gene sequencing revealed two pathogenic species namely Leptospira interrogans (n = 44, 70%) and Leptospira kirschneri (n = 17, 27%) and one intermediate species Leptospira wolffii (n = 2, 3%). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) identified an isolate of L. interrogans as a novel sequence type (ST 265), suggesting that this human-infecting strain has a unique genetic profile different from similar species isolated from rodents so far. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira kirschneri were identified as the dominant Leptospira species causing human leptospirosis in Central Malaysia. The existence of novel clinically important ST 265 (infecting human), that is different from rodent L. interrogans strains cautions reservoir(s) of these Leptospira lineages are yet to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noraini Philip
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norliza Bahtiar Affendy
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nur Alia Ramli
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Arif
- Center of Excellence in Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India
| | - Pappitha Raja
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Elanngovan Nagandran
- Clinical Research Centre Unit, Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pukunan Renganathan
- Clinical Research Centre Unit, Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Niazlin Mohd Taib
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Norbaya Masri
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Yazli Yuhana
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mithra Seganathirajah
- General Medicine, Hospital Serdang, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Jalan Puchong, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Cyrille Goarant
- Institut Pasteur de Noume´a, Leptospirosis Research and Expertise Unit, Noume´a, New Caledonia
| | - Marga G. A. Goris
- OIE and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis Academic Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Zamberi Sekawi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vasantha Kumari Neela
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Fernandes JJ, Araújo Júnior JP, Malossi CD, Ullmann LS, da Costa DF, Silva MLCR, Alves CJ, de Azevedo SS, Higino SSDS. High frequency of seropositive and carriers of Leptospira spp. in pigs in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Trop Anim Health Prod 2020; 52:2055-2061. [PMID: 32026195 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02203-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Carrier animals are considered key in the transmission cycle of leptospirosis. Although investigations have been carried out on several species, the role of pigs in the epidemiology of the disease is still poorly studied in the semi-arid region. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the presence of Leptospira spp. in the genitourinary tract of pigs intended for slaughter. Fifty pigs were used: adults and unvaccinated. Samples of the kidney, urine, and vaginal fluid were collected for the molecular detection of Leptospira spp. and blood samples for the serological test. The molecular test was performed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the serological test was performed with the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Samples with DNA amplification were submitted to genetic sequencing. Twenty (40%) animals were found with anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies, and the majority of the reactions (50%) occurred for the serogroup Tarassovi. Leptospiral DNA was found in the tissue of 11 (22%) pigs. The gene from a urine sample was sequenced and showed similarity to L. borgpetersenii. The results evidenced a high rate of porcine carriers; therefore, they appear to be important sources of agent infection, being potential transmitters of the disease to other animal species and man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juciê Jales Fernandes
- Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, no number, Santa Cecília, Patos, Paraíba, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Diego Figueiredo da Costa
- Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, no number, Santa Cecília, Patos, Paraíba, Brazil
| | | | - Clebert José Alves
- Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, no number, Santa Cecília, Patos, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Sergio Santos de Azevedo
- Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, no number, Santa Cecília, Patos, Paraíba, Brazil
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Molecular detection and genetic characterization of Bartonella species from rodents and their associated ectoparasites from northern Tanzania. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223667. [PMID: 31613914 PMCID: PMC6793857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bartonellae are intracellular bacteria, which can cause persistent bacteraemia in humans and a variety of animals. Several rodent-associated Bartonella species are human pathogens but data on their global distribution and epidemiology are limited. The aims of the study were to: 1) determine the prevalence of Bartonella infection in rodents and fleas; 2) identify risk factors for Bartonella infection in rodents; and 3) characterize the Bartonella genotypes present in these rodent and flea populations. Methods and results Spleen samples collected from 381 rodents representing six different species were tested for the presence of Bartonella DNA, which was detected in 57 individuals (15.0%; 95% CI 11.3–18.5), of three rodent species (Rattus rattus n = 54, Mastomys natalensis n = 2 and Paraxerus flavovottis n = 1) using a qPCR targeting the ssrA gene. Considering R. rattus individuals only, risk factor analysis indicated that Bartonella infection was more likely in reproductively mature as compared to immature individuals (OR = 3.42, p <0.001). Bartonella DNA was also detected in 53 of 193 Xenopsylla cheopis fleas (27.5%: 95% CI 21.3–34.3) collected from R.rattus individuals. Analysis of ssrA and gltA sequences from rodent spleens and ssrA sequences from fleas identified multiple genotypes closely related (≥ 97% similar) to several known or suspected zoonotic Bartonella species, including B. tribocorum, B. rochalimae, B. elizabethae and B. quintana. Conclusions The ssrA and gltA sequences obtained from rodent spleens and ssrA sequences obtained from fleas reveal the presence of a diverse set of Bartonella genotypes and increase our understanding of the bartonellae present in Tanzanian. Further studies are needed to fully characterise the prevalence, genotypes and diversity of Bartonella in different host populations and their potential impacts on human health.
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Leptospira in livestock in Madagascar: uncultured strains, mixed infections and small mammal-livestock transmission highlight challenges in controlling and diagnosing leptospirosis in the developing world. Parasitology 2019; 146:1707-1713. [PMID: 31554531 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019001252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In developing countries, estimates of the prevalence and diversity of Leptospira infections in livestock, an important but neglected zoonotic pathogen and cause of livestock productivity loss, are lacking. In Madagascar, abattoir sampling of cattle and pigs demonstrated a prevalence of infection of 20% in cattle and 5% in pigs by real-time PCR. In cattle, amplification and sequencing of the Leptospira-specific lfb1 gene revealed novel genotypes, mixed infections of two or more Leptospira species and evidence for potential transmission between small mammals and cattle. Sequencing of the secY gene demonstrated genetic similarities between Leptospira detected in Madagascar and, as yet, uncultured Leptospira strains identified in Tanzania, Reunion and Brazil. Detection of Leptospira DNA in the same animal was more likely in urine samples or pooled samples from four kidney lobes relative to samples collected from a single kidney lobe, suggesting an effect of sampling method on detection. In pigs, no molecular typing of positive samples was possible. Further research into the epidemiology of livestock leptospirosis in developing countries is needed to inform efforts to reduce human infections and to improve livestock productivity.
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Carugati M, Kilonzo KG, Crump JA. Fever, bacterial zoonoses, and One Health in sub-Saharan Africa. Clin Med (Lond) 2019; 19:375-380. [PMID: 31530684 DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.2019-0180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Although often underappreciated, a number of bacterial zoonoses are endemic in Africa. Of these, brucellosis, leptospirosis, Q fever, and rickettsioses are responsible for a substantial proportion of febrile illness among patients seeking hospital care. In this paper, we discuss the aetiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these bacterial zoonoses. To prevent and control bacterial zoonoses, strategies targeting both animals and humans are crucial. These may lead to better outcomes than strategies based exclusively on treatment of human infections. Such strategies are referred to as the 'One Health' approach; the collaborative effort of multiple disciplines to attain optimal health for people, animals and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Carugati
- Duke University, Durham, USA and consultant, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Kajiru G Kilonzo
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - John A Crump
- University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand and adjunct professor of medicine, pathology and global health, Duke University, Durham, USA
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Boey K, Shiokawa K, Rajeev S. Leptospira infection in rats: A literature review of global prevalence and distribution. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007499. [PMID: 31398190 PMCID: PMC6688788 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The role of rodents in Leptospira epidemiology and transmission is well known worldwide. Rats are known to carry different pathogenic serovars of Leptospira spp. capable of causing disease in humans and animals. Wild rats (Rattus spp.), especially the Norway/brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the black rat (R. rattus), are the most important sources of Leptospira infection, as they are abundant in urban and peridomestic environments. In this study, we compiled and summarized available data in the literature on global prevalence of Leptospira exposure and infection in rats, as well as compared the global distribution of Leptospira spp. in rats with respect to prevalence, geographic location, method of detection, diversity of serogroups/serovars, and species of rat. Methods We conducted a thorough literature search using PubMed without restrictions on publication date as well as Google Scholar to manually search for other relevant articles. Abstracts were included if they described data pertaining to Leptospira spp. in rats (Rattus spp.) from any geographic region around the world, including reviews. The data extracted from the articles selected included the author(s), year of publication, geographic location, method(s) of detection used, species of rat(s), sample size, prevalence of Leptospira spp. (overall and within each rat species), and information on species, serogroups, and/or serovars of Leptospira spp. detected. Findings A thorough search on PubMed retrieved 303 titles. After screening the articles for duplicates and inclusion/exclusion criteria, as well as manual inclusion of relevant articles, 145 articles were included in this review. Leptospira prevalence in rats varied considerably based on geographic location, with some reporting zero prevalence in countries such as Madagascar, Tanzania, and the Faroe Islands, and others reporting as high as >80% prevalence in studies done in Brazil, India, and the Philippines. The top five countries that were reported based on number of articles include India (n = 13), Malaysia (n = 9), Brazil (n = 8), Thailand (n = 7), and France (n = 6). Methods of detecting or isolating Leptospira spp. also varied among studies. Studies among different Rattus species reported a higher Leptospira prevalence in R. norvegicus. The serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae was the most prevalent serovar reported in Rattus spp. worldwide. Additionally, this literature review provided evidence for Leptospira infection in laboratory rodent colonies within controlled environments, implicating the zoonotic potential to laboratory animal caretakers. Conclusions Reports on global distribution of Leptospira infection in rats varies widely, with considerably high prevalence reported in many countries. This literature review emphasizes the need for enhanced surveillance programs using standardized methods for assessing Leptospira exposure or infection in rats. This review also demonstrated several weaknesses to the current methods of reporting the prevalence of Leptospira spp. in rats worldwide. As such, this necessitates a call for standardized protocols for the testing and reporting of such studies, especially pertaining to the diagnostic methods used. A deeper understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of Leptospira spp. in rats in urban environments is warranted. It is also pertinent for rat control programs to be proposed in conjunction with increased efforts for public awareness and education regarding leptospirosis transmission and prevention. The role of rodents in the transmission of many diseases, including leptospirosis, is widely known. Rats abundant in urban and peridomestic environments are the most important reservoirs and sources of Leptospira infection in humans and animals. Leptospirosis is a significant but neglected disease of humans and animals that is increasing in incidence in regions affected by natural disasters. This paper summarizes the global prevalence and distribution of Leptospira infection in rats and will add to the literature that supports research, education, and public awareness regarding leptospirosis transmission and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Boey
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | - Kanae Shiokawa
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | - Sreekumari Rajeev
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
- * E-mail:
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25
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Alinaitwe L, Kankya C, Allan KJ, Rodriguez-Campos S, Torgerson P, Dreyfus A. Bovine leptospirosis in abattoirs in Uganda: Molecular detection and risk of exposure among workers. Zoonoses Public Health 2019; 66:636-646. [PMID: 31250522 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease reported worldwide. In Uganda, seropositivity has been reported in both humans and domesticated animals, including cattle. However, it remains unknown whether cattle are shedding leptospires and thus acting as potential source for human leptospirosis. We conducted this cross-sectional study in two cattle abattoirs in Kampala, Uganda between June and July 2017. Kidney and urine samples from 500 cattle sourced from across the country were analysed by real-time PCR to establish the prevalence of Leptospira-positive cattle and risk of exposure to abattoir workers. The species of infecting Leptospira was determined by amplification of secY gene and compared to reference sequences published in GenBank. Of 500 cattle tested, 36 (7.2%) had Leptospira DNA in their kidneys (carriers), 29 (5.8%) in their urine (shedders); with an overall prevalence (kidney and/or urine) of 8.8%. Leptospira borgpetersenii was confirmed as the infecting species in three cattle and Leptospira kirschneri in one animal. Male versus female cattle (OR = 3, p-value 0.003), exotic versus local breeds (OR = 21.3, p-value 0.002) or cattle from Western Uganda (OR = 4.4, p-value 0.001) and from regions across the border (OR = 3.3, p-value 0.032) versus from the central region were more likely to be Leptospira-positive. The daily risk of exposure of abattoir workers to ≥1 (kidney and/or urine) positive carcass ranged from 27% (95% credibility interval 18.6-52.3) to 100% (95% CI 91.0-100.0), with halal butchers and pluck inspectors being at highest risk. In conclusion, cattle slaughtered at abattoirs in Uganda carry and shed pathogenic Leptospira species; and this may pose occupation-related risk of exposure among workers in these abattoirs, with workers who handle larger numbers of animals being at higher risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lordrick Alinaitwe
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Clovice Kankya
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kathryn J Allan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Paul Torgerson
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anou Dreyfus
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Holovakha VI, Slyusarenko AO, Petrenko OS, Suslova NI. Biochemical parameters of blood in cows in latent course of leptospirosis. REGULATORY MECHANISMS IN BIOSYSTEMS 2019. [DOI: 10.15421/021927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in the biochemical parameters of blood in cows in the latent course of leptospirosis have been studied by the results of the reaction of microagglutination (RMA). The dynamics of biochemical blood parameters is manifested by hyperproteinemia, dysproteinemia, hemolytic anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, intra- and extrahepatic cholestasis, hyperfermentemia, mineral metabolism disorders, in particular hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, indicating the development of hepatopathy which should be classified as hepatocholangitis. It was determined that the pathological process is manifested in all animals for the titer of antibodies to one or another Leptospira serovar. Significant changes from the side of the hepatobiliary system in infested cows for the antibody titer kabura equaling 1:100, polonica 1:200, ballum 1:100, szvajzak 1:100–1:200, bratislava 1:800 and in animals for the titers kabura of 1:100–1:200; polonium 1:100; szvajzak 1:100–1:200; ballum 1:100; bratislava 1:100–1:200. At leptospirosis caused by bratislava and ballum serovars, a disorder of the functional state of the hepatobiliary system, characterized by an increase in the level of total protein, bilirubin, AST, GGTP and ALP activity was diagnosed as the urea, calcium and phosphorus levels in blood decreased. In the case of the latent course of the disease caused by kabura, polonica, szvajzak, ballumand bratislava serovars, a probably higher concentration of bilirubin, activity of aminotransferases (AST and ALAT), GGTP and ALP was determined in comparison to clinically healthy animals. In cows, in the presence of antibody titers kabura 1:100, polonica 1:200, ballum 1:100, szvajzak 1:100–1:200; bratislava 1:800, in 22.2% of cases, we recorded increase in the total protein against the background of dysproteinemia in 50.0–88.9% of animals, and increase in bilirubin in 78.6%, and increase in the activity of blood serum enzymes (AST, ALAT, GGTP, ALP), and also hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia in 33.3–100.0%. The conducted studies indicate that in latent leptospirosis in cows, in addition to etiotropic therapy, one should include in the protocol the pharmacological correction preparations, which would contribute to the restoration of the functional state of the hepatobiliary system.
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Sato Y, Mizuyama M, Sato M, Minamoto T, Kimura R, Toma C. Environmental DNA metabarcoding to detect pathogenic Leptospira and associated organisms in leptospirosis-endemic areas of Japan. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6575. [PMID: 31024059 PMCID: PMC6484013 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42978-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospires, which cause the zoonotic disease leptospirosis, persist in soil and aqueous environments. Several factors, including rainfall, the presence of reservoir animals, and various abiotic and biotic components interact to influence leptospiral survival, persistence, and pathogenicity in the environment. However, how these factors modulate the risk of infection is poorly understood. Here we developed an approach using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding for detecting the microbiome, vertebrates, and pathogenic Leptospira in aquatic samples. Specifically, we combined 4 sets of primers to generate PCR products for high-throughput sequencing of multiple amplicons through next-generation sequencing. Using our method to analyze the eDNA of leptospirosis-endemic areas in northern Okinawa, Japan, we found that the microbiota in each river shifted over time. Operating taxonomic units corresponding to pathogenic L. alstonii, L. kmetyi, and L. interrogans were detected in association with 12 nonpathogenic bacterial species. In addition, the frequencies of 11 of these species correlated with the amount of rainfall. Furthermore, 10 vertebrate species, including Sus scrofa, Pteropus dasymallus, and Cynops ensicauda, showed high correlation with leptospiral eDNA detection. Our eDNA metabarcoding method is a powerful tool for understanding the environmental phase of Leptospira and predicting human infection risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukuto Sato
- Center for Strategic Research Project, Organization for Research Promotion, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan.
| | - Masaru Mizuyama
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, 207 Uehara, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0215, Japan.,Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
| | - Megumi Sato
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Niigata University, 2-746 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8122, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Minamoto
- Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University, 3-11 Tsurukabuto, Nada-ku, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kimura
- Department of Human Biology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, 207 Uehara, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0215, Japan
| | - Claudia Toma
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, 207 Uehara, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0215, Japan.
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Mendoza MV, Rivera WL. Identification of Leptospira spp. from environmental sources in areas with high human leptospirosis incidence in the Philippines. Pathog Glob Health 2019; 113:109-116. [PMID: 31008691 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2019.1607460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospira is the causative agent of leptospirosis, which is considered an emerging major threat to public health due to its increasing frequency reported worldwide. In the Philippines, the prevalence of the disease continuously rises, particularly in urban areas. Because leptospirosis is commonly transmitted through contact with contaminated environment, water and soil samples were collected in regions in the Philippines where high incidence of human leptospirosis cases was reported recently. Of the 54 samples screened for the presence of Leptospira, 35% were found positive through 23S rRNA gene PCR-based detection. None were found positive when primers targeting lipL32, lipL41, and ompL1 genes were used. Most of these isolates were collected from rural areas. However, 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified all isolates to be L. yanagawae and L. meyeri, which are nonpathogenic. Despite the lack of evidence of the presence of pathogenic species in the environmental sources, the results still suggest that leptospires persist in these areas. These data are crucial for environmental monitoring and identification of contaminated areas where humans may be at risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjo V Mendoza
- a Institute of Biology, College of Science , University of the Philippines , Quezon City , Philippines
| | - Windell L Rivera
- a Institute of Biology, College of Science , University of the Philippines , Quezon City , Philippines.,b Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory , Natural Sciences Research Institute, University of the Philippines , Quezon City , Philippines
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Systematic Review of Important Bacterial Zoonoses in Africa in the Last Decade in Light of the 'One Health' Concept. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8020050. [PMID: 30995815 PMCID: PMC6631375 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8020050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoonoses present a major public health threat and are estimated to account for a substantial part of the infectious disease burden in low-income countries. The severity of zoonotic diseases is compounded by factors such as poverty, living in close contact with livestock and wildlife, immunosuppression as well as coinfection with other diseases. The interconnections between humans, animals and the environment are essential to understand the spread and subsequent containment of zoonoses. We searched three scientific databases for articles relevant to the epidemiology of bacterial zoonoses/zoonotic bacterial pathogens, including disease prevalence and control measures in humans and multiple animal species, in various African countries within the period from 2008 to 2018. The review identified 1966 articles, of which 58 studies in 29 countries met the quality criteria for data extraction. The prevalence of brucellosis, leptospirosis, Q fever ranged from 0–40%, 1.1–24% and 0.9–28.2%, respectively, depending on geographical location and even higher in suspected outbreak cases. Risk factors for human zoonotic infection included exposure to livestock and animal slaughters. Dietary factors linked with seropositivity were found to include consumption of raw milk and locally fermented milk products. It was found that zoonoses such as leptospirosis, brucellosis, Q fever and rickettsiosis among others are frequently under/misdiagnosed in febrile patients seeking treatment at healthcare centres, leading to overdiagnoses of more familiar febrile conditions such as malaria and typhoid fever. The interactions at the human–animal interface contribute substantially to zoonotic infections. Seroprevalence of the various zoonoses varies by geographic location and species. There is a need to build laboratory capacity and effective surveillance processes for timely and effective detection and control of zoonoses in Africa. A multifaceted ‘One Health’ approach to tackle zoonoses is critical in the fight against zoonotic diseases. The impacts of zoonoses include: (1) Humans are always in contact with animals including livestock and zoonoses are causing serious life-threatening infections in humans. Almost 75% of the recent major global disease outbreaks have a zoonotic origin. (2) Zoonoses are a global health challenge represented either by well-known or newly emerging zoonotic diseases. (3) Zoonoses are caused by all-known cellular (bacteria, fungi and parasites) and noncellular (viruses or prions) pathogens. (4) There are limited data on zoonotic diseases from Africa. The fact that human health and animal health are inextricably linked, global coordinated and well-established interdisciplinary research efforts are essential to successfully fight and reduce the health burden due to zoonoses. This critically requires integrated data from both humans and animals on zoonotic diseases.
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Meny P, Menéndez C, Ashfield N, Quintero J, Rios C, Iglesias T, Schelotto F, Varela G. Seroprevalence of leptospirosis in human groups at risk due to environmental, labor or social conditions. Rev Argent Microbiol 2019; 51:324-333. [PMID: 30979517 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is important in Uruguay due to the economic loss caused by the diseases of production animals, mainly bovines, and also due to frequent human infection. We decided to study anti-Leptospira antibodies in the sera of dairy workers, rice laborers, veterinarians, suburban slum dwellers and garbage recyclers. Our aims were to estimate the seroprevalence of infection by Leptospira spp. in these people at risk, the relative importance of the known risk factors associated with infection, and the impact of human infections in each setting. Groups at risk were identified and 35 visits to their locations were made, conducting field surveys and exchange talks for information and education. Simple epidemiological questionnaires were administered and sera samples were taken from 308 persons. The microagglutination Technique (MAT) and the IgM Indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF) assay were employed to detect antibodies. Environmental water samples, canine and equine sera were also examined. More than 45% of human sera were reactive and the studied groups were confirmed to be widely exposed to infection. Female sera were frequently reactive, though most illnesses occur in men, and the most severe cases in elderly males; the emergence and evolution of the disease may strongly depend on the host condition and functions. Animal contact and unsafe water usage were the main identified risk factors to be considered in prevention. Fifty per cent of the studied horses showed a positive MAT reaction. The underdiagnosis of the illness and its long-term symptoms require further study, as well as greater health and social attention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Meny
- Bacteriology and Virology Department, Institute of Hygiene, Medicine Faculty, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Clara Menéndez
- Bacteriology and Virology Department, Institute of Hygiene, Medicine Faculty, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Natalia Ashfield
- Bacteriology and Virology Department, Institute of Hygiene, Medicine Faculty, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Jair Quintero
- Bacteriology and Virology Department, Institute of Hygiene, Medicine Faculty, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Cristina Rios
- Veterinary Public Health area, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Tamara Iglesias
- Bacteriology and Virology Department, Institute of Hygiene, Medicine Faculty, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Felipe Schelotto
- Bacteriology and Virology Department, Institute of Hygiene, Medicine Faculty, Universidad de la República, Uruguay.
| | - Gustavo Varela
- Bacteriology and Virology Department, Institute of Hygiene, Medicine Faculty, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
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Yatbantoong N, Chaiyarat R. Factors Associated with Leptospirosis in Domestic Cattle in Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16061042. [PMID: 30909452 PMCID: PMC6466321 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16061042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis found in cattle (Bos taurus indicus) has potentially increased in economic impact. The objective was to investigate the factors associated with leptospirosis in cattle in the protected area. We investigated the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in cattle in Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. Serum was collected to investigate the seroprevalence by agglutination test and their associated factors. From a total of 513 samples, antibodies against Leptospira were detected in 92.2% of samples. Within a total of 42 herds, the serovar with the highest prevalence was L interrogans serovar Tarassovi (92.9%). Most leptospirosis was found in medium-sized herds with the highest concentrations in cattle farms close to cities (52.4%, p < 0.05). Seroprevalence was associated with herd size, raising pattern in the dry and wet seasons, grazing distance, number of years that cattle were kept in the farm, the introduction of new cattle into the farm, and keeping some pets in the farm. The results of the study suggest that keeping cattle in larger herds, raising pattern and distance, keeping period, and introducing new cattle and having pets impart potential risk of increasing leptospirosis exposure. These results indicate that cattle are important hosts of Leptospira in Thailand and may act as sentinels of Leptospira infection for wildlife and people in the protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nantawan Yatbantoong
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kampheangsean Campus, Kampheangsean 73140, Thailand.
| | - Rattanawat Chaiyarat
- Wildlife and Plant Research Center, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Nakhonpathom 73170, Thailand.
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Mayfield HJ, Smith CS, Lowry JH, Watson CH, Baker MG, Kama M, Nilles EJ, Lau CL. Predictive risk mapping of an environmentally-driven infectious disease using spatial Bayesian networks: A case study of leptospirosis in Fiji. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006857. [PMID: 30307936 PMCID: PMC6198991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease responsible for over 1 million severe cases and 60,000 deaths annually. The wide range of animal hosts and complex environmental drivers of transmission make targeted interventions challenging, particularly when restricted to regression-based analyses which have limited ability to deal with complexity. In Fiji, important environmental and socio-demographic factors include living in rural areas, poverty, and livestock exposure. This study aims to examine drivers of transmission under different scenarios of environmental and livestock exposures. Methods Spatial Bayesian networks (SBN) were used to analyse the influence of livestock and poverty on the risk of leptospirosis infection in urban compared to rural areas. The SBN models used a combination of spatially-explicit field data from previous work and publically available census information. Predictive risk maps were produced for overall risk, and for scenarios related to poverty, livestock, and urban/rural setting. Results While high, rather than low, commercial dairy farm density similarly increased the risk of infection in both urban (12% to 18%) and rural areas (70% to 79%), the presence of pigs in a village had different impact in rural (43% to 84%) compared with urban areas (4% to 24%). Areas with high poverty rates were predicted to have 26.6% and 18.0% higher probability of above average seroprevalence in rural and urban areas, respectively. In urban areas, this represents >300% difference between areas of low and high poverty, compared to 43% difference in rural areas. Conclusions Our study demonstrates the use of SBN to provide valuable insights into the drivers of leptospirosis transmission under complex scenarios. By estimating the risk of leptospirosis infection under different scenarios, such as urban versus rural areas, these subgroups or areas can be targeted with more precise interventions that focus on the most relevant key drivers of infection. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease responsible for over 60,000 deaths annually and is transmitted from mammal hosts to humans through contact with infected urine. The range of possible hosts and complex environmental factors related to transmission make targeted interventions challenging. We used spatial Bayesian Networks applied to a case study in Fiji to show that livestock exposure and poverty affect the probability of infection differently in rural compared to urban areas. This work illustrates the complexity of leptospirosis transmission drivers in Fiji, and shows how they are affected by the interactions between livestock exposure and other environmental and socio-demographic factors. In doing so, we support previous findings linking the risk of leptospirosis to poverty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen J. Mayfield
- Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Carl S. Smith
- School of Business, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - John H. Lowry
- School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Conall H. Watson
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael G. Baker
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Mike Kama
- Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Suva, Fiji
| | - Eric J. Nilles
- Division of Pacific Technical Support, World Health Organization, Suva, Fiji
- Program on Infectious Diseases and Humanitarian Emergencies Harvard Humanitarian Institute, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Colleen L. Lau
- Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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