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Rathinam SR, Vedhanayagi R, Radhika M, Balamurugan MS, Balagiri K, Priya CG, Kohila GJ. Why do Doctors Miss the Diagnosis of Leptospiral Uveitis? Emergence of New Serovars and Challenges in Diagnosis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2024; 32:1722-1727. [PMID: 38127787 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2291477] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Leptospirosis is an endemic disease in India and uveitis is its late complication. Several Indian reports showed diversity of serovars, changing patterns and existence of new serovars. Failure to add new serovars in testing panel result in increased false-negativity in serology. AIM To analyse seroprevalence, changing patterns and to discuss the resulting challenges in diagnosis. METHODS In this retrospective study covering the period from 1994 to 2020, we analysed data from laboratory records of patients diagnosed with leptospiral uveitis in South India. Microscopic agglutination Test (MAT) and/or Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) were performed on clinically diagnosed leptospiral uveitis cases from our hospital, as well as on systemic leptospirosis patients from government and private hospitals. RESULTS Out of a total of 87 216 new uveitis cases with varying causes over 27 years, 3,658 (4.1%) were clinically diagnosed as leptospiral uveitis. Among them, 1,268 (34.7%) patients were seropositive. In 1994, 92% of clinically diagnosed leptospirosis patients were seropositive in the MAT performed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. However, the positivity rate gradually declined to 35% over the years. The predominant serovars identified were L. autumnalis, L. icterohaemorrhagiae, and L. australis. There were notable variations in the distribution of serovars over the years. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest a declining sensitivity of MAT and ELISA, possibly due to the emergence of new serovars. Customizing the panel based on local isolates could enhance the performance of MAT. Critical need is the addition of advanced molecular techniques to improve the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Rathinam
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Uveitis Service, Aravind Eye Hospital & PG, Madurai, India
| | - Rajesh Vedhanayagi
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Uveitis Service, Aravind Eye Hospital & PG, Madurai, India
| | - Manoj Radhika
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Uveitis Service, Aravind Eye Hospital & PG, Madurai, India
| | - M S Balamurugan
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Uveitis Service, Aravind Eye Hospital & PG, Pondicherry, India
| | - K Balagiri
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Uveitis Service, Aravind Eye Hospital & PG, Madurai, India
| | - C Gowri Priya
- Immunology Laboratory, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, India
| | - G Jeya Kohila
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Uveitis Service, Aravind Eye Hospital & PG, Madurai, India
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Lu X, Westman ME, Mizzi R, Griebsch C, Norris JM, Jenkins C, Ward MP. Are Pathogenic Leptospira Species Ubiquitous in Urban Recreational Parks in Sydney, Australia? Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:128. [PMID: 38922040 PMCID: PMC11209362 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9060128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the spirochete bacteria Leptospira spp. From December 2017 to December 2023, a total of 34 canine leptospirosis cases were reported in urban Sydney, Australia. During the same spatio-temporal frame, one locally acquired human case was also reported. As it was hypothesised that human residents and companion dogs might both be exposed to pathogenic Leptospira in community green spaces in Sydney, an environmental survey was conducted from December 2023 to January 2024 to detect the presence of pathogenic Leptospira DNA in multipurpose, recreational public parks in the council areas of the Inner West and City of Sydney, Australia. A total of 75 environmental samples were collected from 20 public parks that were easily accessible by human and canine visitors. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) testing targeting pathogenic and intermediate Leptospira spp. was performed, and differences in detection of Leptospira spp. between dog-allowed and dog-prohibited areas were statistically examined. The global Moran's Index was calculated to identify any spatial autocorrelation in the qPCR results. Pathogenic leptospires were detected in all 20 parks, either in water or soil samples (35/75 samples). Cycle threshold (Ct) values were slightly lower for water samples (Ct 28.52-39.10) compared to soil samples (Ct 33.78-39.77). The chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test results were statistically non-significant (p > 0.05 for both water and soil samples), and there was no spatial autocorrelation detected in the qPCR results (p > 0.05 for both sample types). Although further research is now required, our preliminary results indicate the presence of pathogenic Leptospira DNA and its potential ubiquity in recreational parks in Sydney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Lu
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (X.L.); (M.E.W.); (C.G.); (J.M.N.)
| | - Mark E. Westman
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (X.L.); (M.E.W.); (C.G.); (J.M.N.)
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI), Woodbridge Road, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia; (R.M.); (C.J.)
| | - Rachel Mizzi
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI), Woodbridge Road, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia; (R.M.); (C.J.)
| | - Christine Griebsch
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (X.L.); (M.E.W.); (C.G.); (J.M.N.)
| | - Jacqueline M. Norris
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (X.L.); (M.E.W.); (C.G.); (J.M.N.)
| | - Cheryl Jenkins
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI), Woodbridge Road, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia; (R.M.); (C.J.)
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (X.L.); (M.E.W.); (C.G.); (J.M.N.)
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3
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Griebsch C, Kirkwood N, Ward MP, Norris JM. Serological evidence of exposure of healthy dogs to Leptospira in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Aust Vet J 2024; 102:215-221. [PMID: 38220214 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13315] [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] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
In 2017, highly fatal canine leptospirosis emerged in Sydney, Australia. Based on results of microscopic agglutination testing (MAT), serovar Copenhageni appeared to be the most common causative serovar. Prior to this, no clinical cases had been reported since 1976. In a serosurvey of healthy dogs in Australian shelters in 2004, 2.4% of 431 New South Wales dogs had serological evidence of exposure to Copenhageni, the most prevalent serovar. The aim of this study was to estimate the current prevalence of Leptospira exposure and associated serovars in healthy Sydney dogs, previously unvaccinated against Leptospira. Serum samples from 411 healthy dogs in leptospirosis hotspots and neighbouring suburbs were collected before vaccination. MAT for 23 serovars was performed at the WHO Leptospirosis Reference Laboratory in Queensland, Australia. The overall seroprevalence was 4.1% (17/411) with low titres (1/50-1/200) detected. Eleven dogs were from known leptospirosis hotspots. Eight dogs were known to hunt rodents. One dog had been in contact with a leptospirosis positive dog 1 year prior. Serovar Topaz was the most prevalent serovar (n = 5) followed by serovars Australis (n = 4), Copenhageni (n = 4), Djasiman (n = 2), Cynopteri (n = 1), Javanica (n = 1), Medanensis (n = 1), and Pomona (n = 1). In conclusion, serological evidence of exposure of dogs in Sydney to Leptospira is low, but apparently has increased since 2004. Positive titres to serovars not previously reported to cause disease in dogs could be due to low virulence of those serovars or cross-reactivity with other serovars.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Griebsch
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - N Kirkwood
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - M P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - J M Norris
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
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4
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Ricardo T, Azócar-Aedo LI, Previtali MA, Monti G. Seroprevalence of pathogenic Leptospira serogroups in asymptomatic domestic dogs and cats: systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1301959. [PMID: 38435371 PMCID: PMC10904519 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1301959] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease transmitted by contact with the urine of animals infected with pathogenic species of the bacteria Leptospira or by contact with environments contaminated with the bacteria. Domestic dogs and cats may act as reservoirs or as sentinels of environmental contamination with leptospires, posing a public health concern. There is a great diversity of leptospires, and one common way to classify them is into serogroups that provide some information on the host species they are associated with. The aims of this study were: (1) to quantitatively summarize the overall prevalence and serogroup-specific prevalence of antibodies against pathogenic leptospires in asymptomatic dogs and cats and (2) to identify environmental and host characteristics that may affect the prevalence. Three electronic databases and the reference lists of eligible articles were screened, for epidemiological studies conducted between the years 2012-2022. We estimated overall and serogroup-specific prevalence using three-level meta-analysis models and assessed potential sources of heterogeneity by moderator analysis and meta-regression. Eighty-four studies met the inclusion criteria (dog studies 66.7%, cat studies 26.2%, and both species 7.1%). There were significant differences between dogs and cats in the overall prevalence model (P < 0.001), but not in the serogroup-specific model (P>0.05). In dogs, the prevalence of Leptospira interrogans serogroup Canicola was significantly higher than the other pathogenic serogroups (P < 0.001), while in cats there were no significant differences among serogroups (P = 0.373). Moderator analysis showed that the prevalence of L. kirschneri serogroup Grippotyphosa was significantly higher in stray/sheltered dogs than in domiciled dogs (P = 0.028). These results suggest that pathogenic serogroups associated with small mammals are circulating among asymptomatic pets and should be taken into account in the transmission cycle of leptospires, as well as in the standard MAT panel for diagnosis in dogs and cats. It also highlights the importance of including both dogs and cats as potential reservoirs when conducting eco-epidemiological studies in different geographical and ecological areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Ricardo
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Dpto. de Ciencias Naturales, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias (FHUC), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Lucía Isabel Azócar-Aedo
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Universidad San Sebastián, Sede de la Patagonia, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - María Andrea Previtali
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Dpto. de Ciencias Naturales, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias (FHUC), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Monti
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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5
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Bradley EA, Lockaby G. Leptospirosis and the Environment: A Review and Future Directions. Pathogens 2023; 12:1167. [PMID: 37764975 PMCID: PMC10538202 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global importance with significant morbidity and mortality. However, the disease is frequently overlooked and underdiagnosed, leading to uncertainty of the true scale and severity of the disease. A neglected tropical disease, leptospirosis disproportionately impacts disadvantaged socioeconomic communities most vulnerable to outbreaks of zoonotic disease, due to contact with infectious animals and contaminated soils and waters. With growing evidence that Leptospira survives, persists, and reproduces in the environment, this paper reviews the current understanding of the pathogen in the environment and highlights the unknowns that are most important for future study. Through a systematic Boolean review of the literature, our study finds that detailed field-based study of Leptospira prevalence, survival, and transmission in natural waters and soils is lacking from the current literature. This review identified a strong need for assessment of physical characteristics and biogeochemical processes that support long-term viability of Leptospira in the environment followed by epidemiological assessment of the transmission and movement of the same strains of Leptospira in the present wildlife and livestock as the first steps in improving our understanding of the environmental stage of the leptospirosis transmission cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Bradley
- College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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6
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Bedoya-Pérez MA, Westman ME, Loomes M, Chung NYN, Knobel B, Ward MP. Pathogenic Leptospira Species Are Present in Urban Rats in Sydney, Australia. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1731. [PMID: 37512903 PMCID: PMC10383884 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is an emerging disease among people and dogs in Sydney, Australia. However, the routes of Leptospira transmission in these cases, and in particular the possible role of rats as reservoirs of infection in Sydney, are unknown. Rats were collected within the City of Sydney Council area and their kidneys were tested for pathogenic Leptospira DNA by real-time (q)PCR. A subset of rats also had qPCR testing performed on whole blood and urine, and Microscopic Agglutination Testing (MAT) that included a panel of 10 Leptospira serovars from nine different Leptospira serogroups was performed on a subset of serum samples. Based on qPCR testing, the proportion of rats with Leptospira DNA in their kidneys was 9/111 (8.1%). qPCR testing of blood samples (n = 9) and urine (n = 4) was negative. None of the 10 serum samples tested MAT positive. A primary cluster of qPCR-positive locations was detected based on six infected rats, which partially overlapped with a previously identified cluster of canine leptospirosis cases in Sydney. These findings suggest that rats in Sydney might play a role in the transmission of leptospirosis to dogs and people. Further testing of rats in Sydney and investigation into other possible wildlife reservoirs of infection and environmental sources of leptospires are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Bedoya-Pérez
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mark E Westman
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI), Woodbridge Road, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia
| | - Max Loomes
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Nga Yee Natalie Chung
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Benjamin Knobel
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI), Woodbridge Road, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia
| | - Michael P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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7
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Quintero-Vélez JC, Rodas JD, Rojas CA, Ko AI, Wunder EA. Leptospira Infection in Rural Areas of Urabá Region, Colombia: A Prospective Study. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:1267-1277. [PMID: 36375452 PMCID: PMC9768283 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to analyze the eco-epidemiological aspects of Leptospira seroprevalence and seroincidence and its associated factors in two municipalities of northwest Colombia. A prospective study was performed in rural areas of Urabá, Antioquia, Colombia. The study enrolled 597 people between November 2015 and January 2016, of which 274 were followed up 1 year later. Serologic testing was performed by a microscopic agglutination. The outcomes were seroprevalent and seroincident cases, and the primary exposure was an outdoor occupation. A binary and mixed-effect multinomial logistic regression model was used to estimate factors associated with seroprevalent or seroincident cases of Leptospira infection. The overall Leptospira seroprevalence was 27.81% (95% confidence interval: 23.62-32.49), and the overall cumulative seroincidence for Leptospira was 14.60% (95% confidence interval: 10.33-20.23). Multivariable analysis showed that factors associated with L. interrogans serogroups seropositivity were outdoor occupation, male gender, older age, the presence of dirt floor in the household, and the presence of piglets and opossums. It also showed that factors associated with other Leptospira species serogroups were the presence of pit latrines and of turkeys. In addition, the multivariable model of seroincident cases of L. interrogans serogroups evidenced outdoor occupations, the presence of rats, and corn cultivation as risk factors. Likewise, the multivariable model for seroincident cases of other Leptospira species showed that the presence of hunting canines and cassava cultivation were risk factors. We found specific factors associated with the transmission of Leptospira serogroups contribute to the understanding of the epidemiology of Leptospira infection in rural areas of Urabá, Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. Quintero-Vélez
- Grupo de Investigación Ciencias Veterinarias Centauro, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Microbiología Básica y Aplicada, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
- Grupo de Epidemiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan D. Rodas
- Grupo de Investigación Ciencias Veterinarias Centauro, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Carlos A. Rojas
- Grupo de Epidemiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Albert I. Ko
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Elsio A. Wunder
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Salvador, Brazil
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8
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Smith S, Buikstra E, Rubenach S, Preston-Thomas A, Hanson J. Limited Awareness of Melioidosis in High-risk Populations Despite an Increasing Incidence of the Disease in Far North Queensland, Australia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:1278-1280. [PMID: 35895342 PMCID: PMC9768265 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of melioidosis, an opportunistic infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, has recently doubled in Far North Queensland (FNQ), Australia. This contrasts with the local burden of dengue, which is nearing elimination, and the stable incidence of leptospirosis. This questionnaire-based study assessed the awareness of melioidosis among people in FNQ with risk factors for the disease, using awareness of leptospirosis and dengue as comparators. There were 427 respondents; 361 (85%) reported one or more risk factors for melioidosis. Only 69 of 361 (19%) had heard of melioidosis compared with 301 of 361 (83%) who had heard of dengue (P < 0.001) and 137 of 361 (38%) who had heard of leptospirosis (P < 0.001). In FNQ, Australia, there is an increasing local incidence of melioidosis, but there is limited awareness of the disease among high-risk individuals. Greater community awareness of melioidosis is necessary to implement strategies to prevent disease and expedite the presentation of patients with this life-threatening infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Smith
- Department of Medicine, Cairns Hospital, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Sally Rubenach
- Tropical Public Health Services, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Josh Hanson
- Department of Medicine, Cairns Hospital, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- The Kirby Institute, New South Wales, Australia
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9
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Ocular leptospirosis: lack of awareness among ophthalmologists and challenges in diagnosis. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2022; 33:532-542. [DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000000896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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10
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Perez-Garcia J, Monroy FP, Agudelo-Florez P. Canine Leptospirosis in a Northwestern Region of Colombia: Serological, Molecular and Epidemiological Factors. Pathogens 2022; 11:1040. [PMID: 36145472 PMCID: PMC9506147 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11091040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine leptospirosis is a zoonosis of epidemiological importance. Dogs are recognized as primary reservoirs of Leptospira interrogans serogroup Canicola and a source of infection to the environment through urine. This study aimed to determine the presence of antibodies against Leptospira in canines from 49 municipalities in the Department of Antioquia, Colombia. We performed a cross-sectional study of dogs included in a neutering control program. We collected 1335 sera samples, assayed by a microagglutination test (MAT), and performed PCR detection in 21 urine samples. We also surveyed 903 dog owners. We found a seroreactivity of 11.2% (150/1335) in Antioquia with titers ≥1:50. Municipalities with the highest number of cases were Belmira (46.1%), Turbo (34.5%), and Concepción (31.0%). L. santarosai was identified by phylogenetic analysis in one urine sample from the municipality of Granada. The most important factor associated with a positive result was the lack of vaccination against leptospirosis (PR 3.3, p ≤ 0.014). Environmental factors such as water presence and bare soil around the household were also associated with Leptospira seroreactivity in the Department of Antioquia. We reviewed a national epidemiological surveillance database for human cases in those municipalities. We found a correlation between the high number of cases in canines and humans, especially in the Uraba. Serological and molecular results showed the circulation of Leptospira. Future public health efforts in the municipalities with the highest numbers of seroreactivity should be directed towards vaccination to prevent animal disease and decrease the probability of transmission of Leptospira. Dogs actively participate in the Leptospira cycle in Antioquia and encourage the implementation of vaccination protocols and coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janeth Perez-Garcia
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad CES, Medellín 050021, Colombia
| | - Fernando P. Monroy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
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11
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Orr B, Westman ME, Norris JM, Repousis S, Ma G, Malik R. Detection of Brucella spp. during a serosurvey of pig-hunting and regional pet dogs in eastern Australia. Aust Vet J 2022; 100:360-366. [PMID: 35607254 PMCID: PMC9543532 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution. Brucella suis serotype 1 is thought to be maintained in the Australian feral pig population, with disease prevalence higher in Queensland (Qld) than New South Wales (NSW). Pig hunting is a popular recreational activity in rural Qld and NSW, with feral pigs in these states thought to carry B. suis. Brucellosis associated with B. suis has been diagnosed in dogs engaged in pig hunting in some of these areas. A total of 431 dogs from northern Qld and north‐west NSW were recruited. Two distinct cohorts of clinically healthy dogs were tested – (1) 96 dogs from central, north and far north Queensland actively engaged in pig‐hunting and (2) 335 dogs from rural and remote north‐west NSW that were primarily companion (non‐pig hunting) animals. Serum samples were tested for antibodies to Brucella spp. using the Rose Bengal test (RBT) test followed by complement fixation testing (CFT) for RBT‐positive samples. A subset of samples was retested using RBT and CFT. Seven dogs were considered seropositive for B. suis from Qld and remote NSW, including 4/96 (4.2%; 95% CI 3.5% to 4.3%) from the pig‐hunting cohort and 3/335 (0.9%) from the regional pet dog cohort. The use of RBT and CFT in dogs to detect anti‐Brucella antibodies requires validation. Veterinarians treating pig‐hunting dogs and physicians treating pig hunters in central, north and far north Qld need to be aware of the zoonotic risk posed by B. suis to these groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Orr
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M E Westman
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI), Woodbridge Road, Menangle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J M Norris
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S Repousis
- SydPath, St Vincent's Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - G Ma
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - R Malik
- School of Veterinary and Animal Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.,Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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12
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Orr B, Malik R, Westman ME, Norris JM. Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in pig-hunting dogs from north Queensland, Australia. Aust Vet J 2022; 100:230-235. [PMID: 35156193 PMCID: PMC9306716 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The causative agent of Q fever, Coxiella burnetii, is endemic to Queensland and is one of the most important notifiable zoonotic diseases in Australia. The reservoir species for C. burnetii are classically ruminants, including sheep, cattle and goats. There is increasing evidence of C. burnetii exposure in dogs across eastern and central Australia. The present study aimed to determine if pig-hunting dogs above the Tropic of Capricorn in Queensland had similar rates of C. burnetii exposure to previous serosurveys of companion dogs in rural north-west New South Wales. A total of 104 pig-hunting dogs had serum IgG antibody titres to phase I and phase 2 C. burnetii determined using an indirect immunofluorescence assay test. Almost one in five dogs (18.3%; 19/104; 95% confidence interval 9.6%-35.5%) were seropositive to C. burnetii, with neutered dogs more likely to test positive compared to entire dogs (P = 0.0497). Seropositivity of the sampled pig-hunting dogs was one of the highest recorded in Australia. Thirty-nine owners of the pig-hunting dogs completed a survey, revealing 12.8% (5/39) had been vaccinated against Q fever and 90% (35/39) were aware that both feral pigs and dogs could potentially be sources of C. burnetii. Our findings indicate that pig hunters should be aware of the risk of exposure to Q fever during hunts and the sentinel role their dogs may play in C. burnetii exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Orr
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - R Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Veterinary and Animal Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M E Westman
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI), Menangle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J M Norris
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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