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de Andrade Morais D, Nunes BC, Soares RR, de Oliveira MD, da Costa DF, de Araújo HG, Júnior JPA, Malossi CD, Silva MLCR, de Azevedo SS, Alves CJ. Strong Evidence of the Role of Donkeys in the Epidemiology of Leptospira spp. in Semiarid Conditions. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1853. [PMID: 37513025 PMCID: PMC10384114 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Donkeys (Equus asinus) are historically known for their close relationship to humanity, which raises the need to study zoonotic diseases that affect them. In this perspective, leptospirosis stands out as a disease with an economic and public health impact, and its occurrence is facilitated in times of higher rainfall indexes, especially in large urban centers. In view of the scarcity of information about leptospirosis in donkeys, the objective of this study was to detect the presence of Leptospira spp. and anti-leptospiral antibodies in donkeys rescued by a zoonosis center located in the Caatiga biome, Brazilian semiarid region. Overall, 30 donkeys of both sexes, aged between 4 months and 15 years, were used, from which 64 serum samples were collected and submitted to the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). In addition, 64 samples of urine, vaginal and preputial fluid, in duplicates, were subjected to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microbiological. Sixteen (53.3%) animals tested positive in at least one diagnostic test, 12 (40%) of which were positive at MAT and seven (23.3%) in the molecular and bacteriological detection (urine, vaginal, and preputial fluid samples). This is the first report identifying donkeys infected with Leptospira spp. by molecular and bacteriological diagnosis in Brazil, and the first in the world to detect this agent in their genital fluids. The study also shows that donkeys are commonly exposed to leptospires in the Caatinga biome, and this constitutes a One Health-based concern, demonstrating the importance of broad studies where large numbers of humans and animals coexist when investigating zoonotic infections and when planning and implementing control measures for donkeys-associated leptospirosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davidianne de Andrade Morais
- Centro de Saúde Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos 58708-110, PB, Brazil
| | - Bruno Cesar Nunes
- Centro de Saúde Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos 58708-110, PB, Brazil
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Soares
- Centro de Saúde Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos 58708-110, PB, Brazil
| | - Murilo Duarte de Oliveira
- Centro de Saúde Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos 58708-110, PB, Brazil
| | - Diego Figueiredo da Costa
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA), Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), Rodovia BR 079, Km 02, Areia 58397-000, PB, Brazil
| | - Hosaneide Gomes de Araújo
- Centro de Saúde Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos 58708-110, PB, Brazil
| | - João Pessoa Araújo Júnior
- Campus de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila Dantas Malossi
- Campus de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Luana Cristiny Rodrigues Silva
- Centro de Saúde Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos 58708-110, PB, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Santos de Azevedo
- Centro de Saúde Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos 58708-110, PB, Brazil
| | - Clebert José Alves
- Centro de Saúde Tecnologia Rural (CSTR), Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos 58708-110, PB, Brazil
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Rahman MSA, Khor KH, Khairani-Bejo S, Lau SF, Mazlan M, Roslan MA, Ajat MMM, Noor MAM. TaqMan real-time PCR for detection of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in canine clinical samples. J Vet Res 2023; 67:187-195. [PMID: 38143826 PMCID: PMC10740327 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2023-0024] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Canine leptospirosis has always been a differential diagnosis in dogs presenting with clinical signs and blood profiles associated with kidney and/or liver disease. The conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) provides diagnoses, but real-time PCR-based tests provide earlier confirmation and determine the severity of infection, especially in the acute stage, allowing early detection for immediate treatment decisions. To our knowledge, real-time PCR has not been routinely adopted for clinical investigation in Malaysia. This study evaluated TaqMan real-time PCR (qPCR) assays diagnosing leptospirosis and compared their applicability to clinical samples from dogs with kidney and/or liver disease against a conventional PCR reference. Material and Methods The qPCR assays were validated using existing leptospiral isolates. Whole blood and urine samples were analysed using a conventional PCR, LipL32(1) and LipL32(2) qPCRs and a microscopic agglutination test. The sensitivity and specificity of the qPCRs were determined. Results The LipL32(1) qPCR assay had more diagnostic value than the LipL32(2) qPCR assay. Further evaluation of this assay revealed that it could detect as low as five DNA copies per reaction with high specificity for the tested leptospiral strains. No cross-amplification was observed with other organisms. Analysing the clinical samples, the LipL32(1) qPCR assay had 100.0% sensitivity and >75.0% specificity. Conclusion The LipL32(1) qPCR assay is sensitive, specific and has the potential to be applied in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sabri Abdul Rahman
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Guelph, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Pengkalan Chepa, 16100, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Kuan Hua Khor
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Guelph, Selangor, Malaysia
- University Veterinary Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Seng Fong Lau
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Guelph, Selangor, Malaysia
- University Veterinary Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mazlina Mazlan
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Azri Roslan
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Selangor, Malaysia
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Esteves SB, Santos CM, Silva BCS, Salgado FF, Guilloux AGA, Cortez A, Lucco RC, Miotto BA. Time for change? A systematic review with meta-analysis of leptospires infecting dogs to assess vaccine compatibility in Brazil. Prev Vet Med 2023; 213:105869. [PMID: 36773375 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Dogs are thought to be highly exposed to environmental pathogenic leptospires, possibly acting as potential sources of infection for zoonotic transmission. Vaccination stands as the cornerstone strategy to prevent disease and urinary shedding in dogs, yet the success of vaccination is highly dependent on the correspondence of leptospires circulating locally with those used in vaccine compositions. To provide evidence for vaccine compatibility, and to assess whether there are regional differences on serogroup distribution, we conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis on serological data, characterization of leptospiral isolates and risk factors for seropositivity in dogs from Brazil. Studies reporting canine leptospirosis within the Brazilian territory were eligible for inclusion, and methodology was validated by PROSPERO under registration CRD42020204187. Six electronic databases were searched, and data regarding population, methods, and outcomes were extracted. Sixty-one studies were included to access serogroup distribution and risk factors, with a pooled positivity rate of 19.7% in dog population. Serological evidence indicates that Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae and Autumnalis are the most frequently found serogroups. Twenty-eight records were included to access leptospiral strains isolated in Brazil, with n = 56 strains characterized as serogroups Canicola, n = 37 as Icterohaemorrhagiae, n = 2 as Pomona, and n = 1 strain as Australis and Sejroe each. Risk factor analysis revealed that stray dogs, puppies or elderly dogs, male dogs and dogs kept by tutors with poor social and economic conditions are at high risk for infection. The present study revealed overall good compatibility of leptospiral strains circulating locally with those used in vaccines against canine leptospirosis in Brazil. The circulation of serovars Pomona and Grippotyphosa has not been consistently demonstrated, and the inclusion of these serovars in local vaccines cannot be supported by our results. The results also provided serological evidence for the circulation of Serogroup Autumnalis among the studied populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Bergmann Esteves
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Cassia Moreira Santos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bianca Caroline Souza Silva
- Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Única, Universidade Santo Amaro, Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Ferreira Salgado
- Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Única, Universidade Santo Amaro, Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Adriana Cortez
- Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Única, Universidade Santo Amaro, Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rejane Cristina Lucco
- Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Única, Universidade Santo Amaro, Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Alonso Miotto
- Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Única, Universidade Santo Amaro, Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Barnabé NNDC, Soares RR, Barros DKS, Nogueira DB, da Costa FTR, Araújo Júnior JP, Malossi CD, Ullmann LS, da Costa DF, Silva MLCR, Higino SSDS, Santos CDSAB, de Azevedo SS, Alves CJ. Bovine Leptospirosis in Caatinga Biome, Brazil: New Insights into Diagnosis and Epidemiology. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:177. [PMID: 36977178 PMCID: PMC10053506 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030177] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine leptospirosis causes economic losses and raises public health concerns. It is possible that there are peculiarities in the epidemiology of leptospirosis in regions with a semiarid climate, such as the Caatinga biome in Brazil, where the climate is hot and dry, and the etiological agent require alternative routes of transmission. This study aimed to close knowledge gaps to the diagnosis and epidemiology of Leptospira spp. infection in cows from the Caatinga biome, Brazil. Samples of the blood, urinary tract (urine, bladder and kidney) and reproductive tract (vaginal fluid, uterus, uterine tube, ovary and placenta) were collected from 42 slaughtered cows. Diagnostic tests included were the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacterial isolation. Anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies were found in 27 (64.3%) of the animals analyzed using MAT at a 1:50 dilution (cut-off 50), while 31 (73.8%) animals had at least one organ/fluid where the presence of Leptospira spp. DNA was identified, and 29 animals (69%) were positive at bacteriological culture. The highest sensitivity values for MAT were obtained at the cut-off point of 50. In conclusion, even under hot and dry climate conditions, it is possible that Leptospira spp. can spread through alternative routes such as venereal transmission; moreover, a cut-off of 50 is recommended for the serological diagnosis of cattle from the Caatinga biome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Soares
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine (UAMV), Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Patos 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Deivyson Kelvis Silva Barros
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine (UAMV), Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Patos 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Denise Batista Nogueira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny (FMVZ), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-220, Brazil
| | | | - João Pessoa Araújo Júnior
- Institute of Biosciences, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of the São Paulo State (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Camila Dantas Malossi
- Institute of Biosciences, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of the São Paulo State (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Leila Sabrina Ullmann
- Institute of Biosciences, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of the São Paulo State (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Sérgio Santos de Azevedo
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine (UAMV), Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Patos 58708-110, Brazil
| | - Clebert José Alves
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine (UAMV), Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Patos 58708-110, Brazil
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Abdul Rahman MS, Khor KH, Khairani-Bejo S, Lau SF, Mazlan M, Roslan MA. Risk and Predictive Factors of Leptospirosis in Dogs Diagnosed with Kidney and/or Liver Disease in Selangor, Malaysia. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123405. [PMID: 34944181 PMCID: PMC8698145 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Canine leptospirosis is commonly associated with kidney and/or liver disease. The current study identified the potential risk and predictive factors of dogs diagnosed with kidney and/or liver disease due to leptospirosis. A total of 124 client-owned dogs were recruited and the samples collected were directly tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequently inoculated for bacterial isolation. Statistical analyses were descriptively analyzed, and risk analyses were performed using Pearson chi-square tests and logistic regression. The different breeds of dog with history of exposure to rats and those managed outdoors had a greater risk of leptospirosis (p < 0.05). The significant predictors for the dogs’ positivity were presence of rats and acute clinical illness (p < 0.05). Administration of antibiotics and detection of clinical illness at an early stage of the disease improved the survivability of the dogs (p < 0.05). Abstract Canine leptospirosis is commonly associated with kidney and/or liver disease. It has been widely reported and causes public health concerns due to its zoonotic potential and its re-emergence, resulting from close contact between humans and dogs. The current study identified potential risk and predictive factors for dogs diagnosed with kidney and/or liver disease due to leptospirosis. A total of 124 client-owned dogs were recruited, and information such as signalment, medical history, management, and clinical findings were documented. Samples collected from the recruited dogs were directly tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequently inoculated for bacterial isolation. Statistical analyses were descriptively analyzed, and risk analyses were performed using Pearson chi-square tests and logistic regression. A total of 53 dogs (42.7%) were positive for leptospiral infection based on PCR, and 10 leptospiral isolates were successfully recovered from eight dogs. The mortality rate of infected dogs was 34.0% (18/53). Medium and large dog breeds, with a history of exposure to rats, and managed outdoors had a greater risk for leptospirosis (p < 0.05). The significant predictors for the dogs’ positivity were the presence of rats and acute clinical illness (p < 0.05). Administration of antibiotics and the detection of clinical illness at an early stage of the disease improved the survivability of the dogs (p < 0.05). Identifying the profile of dogs that are at risk to leptospirosis could be useful in the design of diagnostic and treatment strategies, as well as to increase awareness for prevention of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sabri Abdul Rahman
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.S.A.R.); (S.F.L.)
| | - Kuan Hua Khor
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.S.A.R.); (S.F.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +603-9769-3926
| | - Siti Khairani-Bejo
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.K.-B.); (M.M.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Seng Fong Lau
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.S.A.R.); (S.F.L.)
| | - Mazlina Mazlan
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.K.-B.); (M.M.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Mohd Azri Roslan
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.K.-B.); (M.M.); (M.A.R.)
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Rahman SA, Khor KH, Khairani-Bejo S, Lau SF, Mazlan M, Roslan A, Goh SH. Detection and characterization of Leptospira spp. in dogs diagnosed with kidney and/or liver disease in Selangor, Malaysia. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 33:834-843. [PMID: 34148436 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211024575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. A wide range of symptoms have been described in humans; the disease in dogs is commonly associated with kidney and/or liver disease. In Malaysia, information about the common serovars infecting dogs is limited. Therefore, we investigated the occurrences of leptospirosis in 124 pet dogs diagnosed with kidney and/or liver disease. Blood, urine, abdominal effusion, and/or kidney and liver were collected from the dogs. Based on microscopic agglutination testing, 53 of 124 (42.7%) dogs were seropositive for leptospiral exposure. Sera were frequently positive to serovars Bataviae (n = 12), Javanica (n = 10), and Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 10). Direct detection using PCR showed that 42 of 124 (33.9%) of the whole blood and 36 of 113 (31.9%) urine samples were positive for pathogenic Leptospira spp. By PCR, 2 of 23 (9.1%) kidney and 2 of 23 (9.1%) liver were positive for pathogenic Leptospira spp. Abdominal effusion from 4 dogs were PCR-positive for pathogenic Leptospira spp. The species detected were L. interrogans, L. borgpetersenii, L. kirschneri, and L. kmetyi by partial 16S rRNA sequencing. We further identified and characterized 11 Leptospira spp. isolates from 8 dogs as serovars Bataviae, Javanica, and Australis. The mortality rate of the Leptospira-infected dogs was high (18 of 53; 34%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabri A Rahman
- Departments of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kuan H Khor
- Departments of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Khairani-Bejo
- Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Seng F Lau
- Departments of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mazlina Mazlan
- Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Azri Roslan
- Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Soon H Goh
- Departments of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Rohilla P, Khurana R, Kumar A, Batra K, Gupta R. Detection of Leptospira in urine of apparently healthy dogs by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in Haryana, India. Vet World 2020; 13:2411-2415. [PMID: 33363334 PMCID: PMC7750226 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.2411-2415] [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: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. The organism can spread through the urine of infected animals, which can get into water or soil and can survive there for weeks to months. The study was undertaken to detect the pathogenic Leptospira in healthy dogs’ urinary shedding by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Materials and Methods: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. To detect the pathogenic Leptospira organisms in dogs’ urinary shedding, 239 urine samples were collected from healthy dogs from April 2018 to March 2019 from different areas of Haryana. All the urine samples were processed for DNA extraction and qPCR technique was used to detect the presence of Leptospira. Results: Out of 239 urine samples of dogs, none of the samples resulted in the detection of DNA of pathogenic Leptospira organisms. Conclusion: The present study indicated low risk of transmission of Leptospira organisms from dogs’ urine to human beings in Haryana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Rohilla
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Rajesh Khurana
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Aman Kumar
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Kanisht Batra
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Renu Gupta
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
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Fernandes JJ, de Lima Peixoto A, de Farias ASS, Junior Pinheiro T, da Costa DF, Silva MLCR, Júnior JPA, Malossi CD, Ullmann LS, de Azevedo SS, Alves CJ, Dos Santos Higino SS. Didelphis albiventris as a carrier of Leptospira sp. in the central nervous tissue in the semiarid region of Northeast, Brazil. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 73:101560. [PMID: 33099254 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis has been investigated in several species of wild animals. The white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) is a mammal common in the brazilian semi-arid, so, this study aimed to investigate its role in the occurrence of the leptospirosis in the region Northeast of Brazil. 12 animals were used, from which samples were collected for the attempt of isolation, molecular detection and serological examination. There was no microbial growth, nor were any anti-Leptospira sp. antibodies found in the serological samples. The PCR detected leptospiric DNA in the central nervous system (CNS) of five animals (41.7 %). The gene in one of the samples was sequenced and showed identity with Leptospira interrogans. The presence of Leptospira sp. in the CNS of Didelphis albiventris does not allow the characterization of the studied animals as reservoirs with potential for transmission of the pathogen in the region, however it represents a site that needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juciê Jales Fernandes
- Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), University Avenue, No Number, Santa Cecília, Patos, Paraíba State, Brazil
| | - Aline de Lima Peixoto
- Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), University Avenue, No Number, Santa Cecília, Patos, Paraíba State, Brazil
| | | | - Tiago Junior Pinheiro
- Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), University Avenue, No Number, Santa Cecília, Patos, Paraíba State, Brazil
| | - Diego Figueiredo da Costa
- Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), University Avenue, No Number, Santa Cecília, Patos, Paraíba State, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Sergio Santos de Azevedo
- Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), University Avenue, No Number, Santa Cecília, Patos, Paraíba State, Brazil
| | - Clebert José Alves
- Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), University Avenue, No Number, Santa Cecília, Patos, Paraíba State, Brazil
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Use of serological and molecular techniques for detection of Leptospira sp. carrier sheep under semiarid conditions and the importance of genital transmission route. Acta Trop 2020; 207:105497. [PMID: 32330452 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
It is possible that there are peculiarities in the epidemiology of leptospirosis in regions with a semiarid climate, where the environment is often adverse, allowing the occurrence of alternative transmission routes. The objective of the work was to generate contributions to the diagnosis and epidemiology of Leptospira sp. infection in sheep reared in semiarid conditions, using serological, molecular and microbiological techniques for diagnosis in dry and rainy seasons. Samples of blood, vaginal fluid, urine, bladder, kidney, uterus, uterine tube, ovary and placenta were collected from 104 sheep (52 animals per season - dry and rainy) slaughtered in the Brazilian semiarid. Diagnostic tests performed were microscopic agglutination test (MAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacterial isolation. Anti-Leptospira sp. antibodies were found in 26 (25%) of the animals analyzed by MAT at 1:50 dilution (cut-off 50), while 69 (66.3%) animals had at least one organ/fluid with the presence of Leptospira sp. DNA. Overall, PCR was performed on 758 fragments of organs/fluids from the genital and urinary tracts, and 519 (68.5%) samples tested positive. PCR-positivity was statistically different in dry (46.2%) and rainy (11.5%) seasons for vaginal fluid. It was possible to perform the DNA sequencing in nine samples with 99% similarity to L. interrogans and recovery of viable strains in three samples of vaginal fluid. Regardless of the biological material used in PCR to detect carrier animals and the season, the highest MAT sensitivity values were obtained with cut-off 50 compared to 100. The results obtained indicate that, even in the adverse environmental conditions of the semiarid region, leptospires may survive and propagate by alternative routes of transmission, such as sexual, and the presence of PCR-positive genital tracts in ewes suggests that sexual transmission may play an important role in the epidemiology of the disease in sheep in Brazilian semiarid. In addition, it is suggested the use of titer 50 as cut-off point at serology in semiarid conditions.
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Altheimer K, Jongwattanapisan P, Luengyosluechakul S, Pusoonthornthum R, Prapasarakul N, Kurilung A, Broens EM, Wagenaar JA, Goris MGA, Ahmed AA, Pantchev N, Reese S, Hartmann K. Leptospira infection and shedding in dogs in Thailand. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:89. [PMID: 32178664 PMCID: PMC7077098 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-2230-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis and has been recognized as a re-emerging infectious disease in humans and dogs, but prevalence of Leptospira shedding in dogs in Thailand is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine urinary shedding of Leptospira in dogs in Thailand, to evaluate antibody prevalence by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and to assess risk factors for Leptospira infection. In Northern, Northeastern, and Central Thailand, 273 stray (n = 119) or client-owned (n = 154) dogs from rural (n = 139) or urban (n = 134) areas were randomly included. Dogs that had received antibiotics within 4 weeks prior to sampling were excluded. No dog had received vaccination against Leptospira. Urine was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) specific for lipL32 gene of pathogenic Leptospira. Additionally, urine was cultured for 6 months in Ellinghausen-McCullough-Johnson-Harris (EMJH) medium. Antibodies were measured by ELISA and MAT against 24 serovars belonging to 15 serogroups and 1 undesignated serogroup. Risk factor analysis was performed with backwards stepwise selection based on Wald. RESULTS Twelve of 273 (4.4%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0-6.8%) urine samples were PCR-positive. In 1/273 dogs (0.4%; 95% CI: 0.01-1.1%) Leptospira could be cultured from urine. MAT detected antibodies in 33/273 dogs (12.1%; 95% CI: 8.2-16.0%) against 19 different serovars (Anhoa, Australis, Ballum, Bataviae, Bratislava, Broomi, Canicola, Copenhageni, Coxi, Grippotyphosa, Haemolytica, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Khorat, Paidjan, Patoc, Pyrogenes, Rachmati, Saxkoebing, Sejroe). In 111/252 dogs (44.0%; 95% CI: 37.9-50.2%) immunoglobulin M (IgM) and/or immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were found by ELISA. Female dogs had a significantly higher risk for Leptospira infection (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS Leptospira shedding occurs in randomly sampled dogs in Thailand, with infection rates comparable to those of Europe and the USA. Therefore, the potential zoonotic risk should not be underestimated and use of Leptospira vaccines are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Altheimer
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Prapaporn Jongwattanapisan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supol Luengyosluechakul
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rosama Pusoonthornthum
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nuvee Prapasarakul
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Alongkorn Kurilung
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Els M. Broens
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap A. Wagenaar
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Marga G. A. Goris
- OIE and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ahmed A. Ahmed
- OIE and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Sven Reese
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13, 80539 Munich, Germany
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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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