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Ramos-Vázquez JR, Sánchez-Montes S, Esparza-González SC, Romero-Salas D, Pardio-Sedas V, Estrada-Coates AT, Alva-Trujillo M, Ballados-González GG, Grostieta E, Becker I, Cruz-Romero A. Isolation and molecular identification of Leptospira santarosai and Leptospira interrogans in equines from eastern Mexico. Acta Trop 2024; 256:107242. [PMID: 38782111 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107242] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease with a worldwide distribution, which represents a major challenge in animal production across developing countries, mainly in tropical areas. Horses are particularly susceptible to the disease, presenting manifestations ranging from subclinical to the development of uveitis that compromises the visual health of the animals. In recent years, serological studies have been carried out in equid populations from America, demonstrating high exposure. For this reason, the aim of this study was to demonstrate microbiologically and molecularly the presence of the members of the genus Leptospira in urine samples from equids in an endemic state of leptospirosis in Mexico, and to detect the serological presence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in the sampled animals. For this reason, blood and urine samples were collected from 28 horses and one mule from three localities in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Urine samples were inoculated in Ellinghausen-McCullough-Johnson-Harris (EMJH) medium, and the recovered isolates were typed using a short Multi Locus Sequence Typing scheme. Amplifications of the expected size were subjected to sequencing, and the recovered sequences were compared with those of reference deposited in GenBank using the BLAST tool. To identify their phylogenetic position, we performed a phylogenetic reconstruction using the maximum likelihood method. Additionally, Microscopic Agglutination test was performed on the serum samples to identify anti-Leptospira antibodies. We recovered 16 urine isolates which tested positive for the presence of Leptospira DNA. The phylogenetic reconstruction and the MLST analysis confirmed the presence of several genotypes of Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira santarosai. An overall serological frequency of 97.1 % was detected. Our results represent the first record of the presence of Leptospira through bacteriological isolates in equids from Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- José R Ramos-Vázquez
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Posta Zootécnica Torreón del Molino, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Sokani Sánchez-Montes
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, región Poza Rica-Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Tuxpan de Rodríguez Cano, Veracruz, Mexico; Centro de Medicina Tropical, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | | | - Dora Romero-Salas
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Posta Zootécnica Torreón del Molino, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Violeta Pardio-Sedas
- Laboratorio de Seguridad Agroalimentaria, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Alejandro T Estrada-Coates
- Hospital de Grandes Especies, Posta Zootécnica Torreón del Molino, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Miriam Alva-Trujillo
- Hospital de Grandes Especies, Posta Zootécnica Torreón del Molino, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Gerardo G Ballados-González
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Posta Zootécnica Torreón del Molino, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Estefanía Grostieta
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ingeborg Becker
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Anabel Cruz-Romero
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Posta Zootécnica Torreón del Molino, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico.
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Zečević I, Picardeau M, Vince S, Hađina S, Perharić M, Štritof Z, Stevanović V, Benvin I, Turk N, Lohman Janković I, Habuš J. Association between Exposure to Leptospira spp. and Abortion in Mares in Croatia. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1039. [PMID: 38930421 PMCID: PMC11205326 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061039] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is one of the most common zoonotic infections and a major problem in terms of both veterinary medicine and public health. However, the disease is under-recognised and under-diagnosed worldwide, particularly in horses. Clinical leptospirosis in horses is mainly associated with recurrent uveitis (ERU), which has recently been studied more intensively, and reproductive disorders, the epidemiology of which is still relatively poorly understood. To enhance our comprehension of abortions caused by leptospirosis in horses and to identify the causative strains, a serological study was carried out with subsequent molecular characterisation of the isolate obtained. Using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), serum samples from mares that aborted and foetal fluids (when available) were tested for antibodies against Leptospira spp. Furthermore, bacteria isolation from kidney cultures was conducted. Of 97 mare serum samples, 21 (21.64%) tested positive, with Grippotyphosa and Pomona being the most frequently detected serogroups. A significantly higher seroprevalence was found in aborting mares compared to the healthy horse population from the same geographical area, as well as a pronounced seasonal variation. Leptospiral antibodies were not detected in any of the foetal fluids, but isolation was successful in 1 case out of 39 (2.56%). Genotyping by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) identified the obtained isolate as Leptospira kirschneri, serogroup Pomona, serovar Mozdok. Further surveillance and molecular typing of Leptospira strains causing abortion in horses would be invaluable in understanding the prevalence and impact of leptospirosis on equine reproductive health in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Zečević
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.H.); (M.P.); (Z.Š.); (V.S.); (I.B.); (N.T.)
| | - Mathieu Picardeau
- Biology of Spirochetes Unit, National Reference Center for Leptospirosis, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France;
| | - Silvijo Vince
- Reproduction and Obstetrics Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Suzana Hađina
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.H.); (M.P.); (Z.Š.); (V.S.); (I.B.); (N.T.)
| | - Matko Perharić
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.H.); (M.P.); (Z.Š.); (V.S.); (I.B.); (N.T.)
| | - Zrinka Štritof
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.H.); (M.P.); (Z.Š.); (V.S.); (I.B.); (N.T.)
| | - Vladimir Stevanović
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.H.); (M.P.); (Z.Š.); (V.S.); (I.B.); (N.T.)
| | - Iva Benvin
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.H.); (M.P.); (Z.Š.); (V.S.); (I.B.); (N.T.)
| | - Nenad Turk
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.H.); (M.P.); (Z.Š.); (V.S.); (I.B.); (N.T.)
| | - Ivana Lohman Janković
- Ministry of Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josipa Habuš
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.H.); (M.P.); (Z.Š.); (V.S.); (I.B.); (N.T.)
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Pires BC, Dos Santos JBF, de Almeida Ferreira Dos Santos JP, Silva DM, Dos Reis TFM, Cuccato LP, Ciuffa AZ, Rezende LM, Ribeiro RAC, Lima AMC. Occurrence of serological reactions for Leptospira spp. in donkeys and mules from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:258. [PMID: 37400748 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03683-4] [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: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Research concerning leptospirosis in donkeys and mules has been neglected around the world. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological situation of the prevalence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in donkeys and mules from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Blood serum samples were collected from 180 animals (109 donkeys and 71 mules) in two rural properties from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and then submitted to a microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Urea and creatinine values were also quantified. Epidemiological variables such as age, breeding system, contact with other animal species, source of water and food, vaccination against leptospirosis, presence of reproductive alterations, and rodent control were also investigated. From 180 samples collected, 39 (21.67%) showed positive results in the MAT, at a dilution ≥ 1:100. Some animals were reactive for more than one serovar. The serovar Tarassovi was the most frequent (14.07%), followed by Hardjo (11.85%) and Wolffi (11.11%). There was a statistically significant difference between animals from 0 to 3 years of age reactive in the MAT in comparison to the other age groups. Most of the animals had urea and creatinine concentrations within the acceptable reference limit; however, there was a significant increase in creatinine levels in some of the test animals. The studied properties showed differences in some epidemiological aspects such as vaccination of the animals, presence of reproductive problems in the herd, and rodent control. Such aspects pointed as risk factors that may influence the frequency of positive serological results in property 1. The present study demonstrated that the prevalence of leptospirosis in donkeys and mules is high and several serovars are being maintained by these animals, representing a potential public health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Cabral Pires
- Laboratory of infectious disease, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Street Ceará, Block 2D, room 33, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-315, Brazil.
| | - João Batista Ferreira Dos Santos
- Laboratory of infectious disease, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Street Ceará, Block 2D, room 33, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-315, Brazil
| | - João Paulo de Almeida Ferreira Dos Santos
- Laboratory of infectious disease, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Street Ceará, Block 2D, room 33, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-315, Brazil
| | - Danilo Mundim Silva
- Laboratory of infectious disease, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Street Ceará, Block 2D, room 33, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-315, Brazil
| | - Thais Fernanda Martins Dos Reis
- Laboratory of infectious disease, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Street Ceará, Block 2D, room 33, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-315, Brazil
| | - Lígia Pinho Cuccato
- Laboratory of infectious disease, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Street Ceará, Block 2D, room 33, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-315, Brazil
| | - Andreia Zago Ciuffa
- Laboratory of infectious disease, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Street Ceará, Block 2D, room 33, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-315, Brazil
| | - Laís Miguel Rezende
- Laboratory of infectious disease, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Street Ceará, Block 2D, room 33, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-315, Brazil
| | - Rosanne Aparecida Capanema Ribeiro
- Laboratory of infectious disease, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Street Ceará, Block 2D, room 33, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-315, Brazil
| | - Anna Monteiro Correia Lima
- Laboratory of infectious disease, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Street Ceará, Block 2D, room 33, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-315, Brazil
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Benvin I, Perko VM, Maljković MM, Habuš J, Štritof Z, Hađina S, Perharić M, Zečević I, Cvetnić M, Turk N. Serological surveillance of equine leptospirosis in Croatia in the period from 2012 to 2022 - a key insight into the changing epizootiology. J Equine Vet Sci 2023:104844. [PMID: 37295759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104844] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is re-emerging zoonotic bacterial disease of global importance that affects domestic and wild animals and humans. Due to the public health importance, control of disease in Croatia is being implemented by monitoring the seroprevalence of equine leptospirosis and it is regulated by the law. In the period from 2012 to 2022, a total of 61724 serum samples from apparently healthy horses were admitted to the Laboratory for leptospires, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb. Serum samples were tested for Leptospira spp. antibodies using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Samples were considered seropositive with a cut-off titre 1:200 for Bratislava and 1:400 for other Leptospira spp. serovars. Out of 61724 serum samples tested, 6665 (10.80%) were found seropositive for at least one Leptospira serovar. In the studied period, seroprevalence varied between 5.00% and 15.94%. The highest seroprevalence was found for serovar Pomona (41.98%) and serovar Grippotyphosa (31.34%), followed by Sejroe (8.03%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (7.05%) and Bratislava (6.47%). Results indicated that horses in Croatia are particularly exposed to Leptospira spp. infections. The most prevalent presumed infective serovar was Pomona increasing each year. Investigated horses were randomly selected and healthy and most seropositive horses have anamnestic titre due to previous infection. This is the first study in Europe reporting such high seropositivity for the serovar Pomona in apparently healthy horses. According to the results of the present study, the question arises of the possible evolutionary adaptation of the pathogenic serovar Pomona as dominant for horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Benvin
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Vesna Mojčec Perko
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Maurić Maljković
- Department of Animal Breeding and Livestock Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josipa Habuš
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zrinka Štritof
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Suzana Hađina
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matko Perharić
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Iva Zečević
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marija Cvetnić
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nenad Turk
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Equine genital leptospirosis: Evidence of an important silent chronic reproductive syndrome. Theriogenology 2022; 192:81-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Leptospira spp. Prevalence in Cats from Southern Italy with Evaluation of Risk Factors for Exposure and Clinical Findings in Infected Cats. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101129. [PMID: 36297186 PMCID: PMC9609655 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101129] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease, but feline leptospirosis is rarely reported. This study aimed at investigating Leptospira spp. prevalence in cats from southern Italy, evaluating risk factors, clinical findings and laboratory data associated with infection. The serum of 112 cats was investigated by microscopic agglutination test (MAT), detecting anti-Leptospira antibodies against 14 pathogenic serovars. Blood and urine samples were tested by a real-time polymerase chain reaction targeting the lipL32 gene of pathogenic Leptospira. Antibodies against serovars Poi, Bratislava, Arborea, Ballum, Pomona and Lora were detected in 15.3% (17/111) of cats (titers range: 20-320). Leptospira spp. DNA was found in 3% (4/109) of blood and 9% (10/111) of urine samples. The spring season was the only risk factor for urinary Leptospira DNA shedding. Laboratory abnormalities significantly associated and/or correlated with Leptospira spp. positivity were anemia, monocytosis, neutrophilia, eosinopenia, increased alanine aminotransferase activity, hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia. In the investigated areas, cats are frequently infected by Leptospira spp. and can represent an additional reservoir or sentinel for a risk of infection. Moreover, some laboratory changes could be compatible with a pathogenic effect of Leptospira spp. in the feline host.
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Bolwell C, Gee E, Adams B, Collins-Emerson J, Scarfe K, Nisa S, Gordon E, Rogers C, Benschop J. Longitudinal Testing of Leptospira Antibodies in Horses Located near a Leptospirosis Outbreak in Alpacas. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080426. [PMID: 36006341 PMCID: PMC9414811 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080426] [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: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The objective of this study was to look at antibodies in repeated blood samples from horses kept near, or on, a farm where Leptospirosis was diagnosed in a herd of alpacas, resulting in kidney disease and abortion in the alpacas. Blood samples from horses in New Zealand have previously shown approximately 25% have antibodies to Leptospira, although there are few reports of clinical disease. Seven of twelve horses had positive antibody results during the current study, and two horses had high concentrations of antibodies in their blood together with evidence of leptospires in their urine. These results suggest the two horses could have been actively infected with Leptospira, and potentially be at risk of transmitting the disease to humans and other animals on the property. It was not able to be determined if there was a direct association between the positive horses in this study and the outbreak in alpacas. Potentially, there could have been a common exposure for both horses and alpacas, or one group may have infected the other. The potential risk of horses shedding leptospires that could infect humans, or other species, should not be overlooked in New Zealand. Abstract The objectives of this study were to determine if horses located near an outbreak of leptospirosis in alpacas had Leptospira titres indicative of a previous or current infection and, if so, to determine the magnitude in change of titres over time. Further, the objective was to determine if horses with high titre results were shedding Leptospira in their urine. Blood samples were collected from twelve horses located on or next to the farm with the outbreak in alpacas, on day zero and at four subsequent time points (two, four, six and nine weeks). The microscopic agglutination test was used to test sera for five serovars endemic in New Zealand: Ballum, Copenhageni, Hardjo, Pomona and Tarassovi. A reciprocal MAT titre cut-off of ≥1:100 was used to determine positive horses. Seven out of twelve horses (58%) were positive to at least one serovar during one of the time points. Two horses recorded titres of ≥1600, one for both Pomona and Copenhageni and the other for Hardjo, and these two horses were both PCR positive for Leptospira in their urine samples. For five out of seven horses, the titres either remained the same or changed by one dilution across the sampling time points. The study confirmed endemic exposure to five endemic Leptospira serovars in New Zealand in a group of horses located near a confirmed leptospirosis outbreak in alpacas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Bolwell
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
- Correspondence:
| | - Erica Gee
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Brooke Adams
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | | | - Katherine Scarfe
- IDEXX Laboratories (NZ) ULC, School of Veterinary Science Complex, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Shahista Nisa
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Emma Gordon
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Chris Rogers
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Jackie Benschop
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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Raspa F, Tarantola M, Muca E, Bergero D, Soglia D, Cavallini D, Vervuert I, Bordin C, De Palo P, Valle E. Does Feeding Management Make a Difference to Behavioural Activities and Welfare of Horses Reared for Meat Production? Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141740. [PMID: 35883287 PMCID: PMC9311627 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Horses reared for meat production are generally fed a diet rich in starch with the aim of maximizing production performances. This study evaluated the effects of two feeding management systems on horse welfare by analysing the relative time spent engaged in different behavioural activities. Nineteen Bardigiano horses aged 14.3 ± 0.7 months were randomly assigned to one of two group pens: one group was fed high amounts of starch-rich concentrates (HCG; n = 10), the other was fed a fibre-based diet (HFG; n = 9). Behavioural activities performed by each horse were video-recorded over a 96-h period. A scan sampling process (n = 144 scans/horse/day; total n of scans sampled = 10,368) was used, and the scans were analysed according to a specific ethogram. The mean frequency (%/24 h) spent exhibiting each behavioural activity was calculated to obtain the time budget. After checking for normality (Shapiro–Wilk test), Student’s t tests (normally distributed data) and Mann–Whitney tests (not normally distributed data) were used to compare the time budgets of the two groups of horses (HCG vs. HFG). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to identify the components explaining the variability in behavioural activities between the two groups. K-means cluster analysis subsequently confirmed the PCA results. The behavioural activities associated with feeding horses a fibre-based diet correlated with better horse welfare compared with feeding horses a starch-based diet. Feeding horses a fibre-based diet resulted advantageous from both the welfare and economic perspective; it allowed horses to spend more time expressing feeding behaviours and reduced energy expenditure in the form of excitable, or “fizzy”, behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Raspa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (M.T.); (E.M.); (D.B.); (D.S.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Martina Tarantola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (M.T.); (E.M.); (D.B.); (D.S.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
| | - Edlira Muca
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (M.T.); (E.M.); (D.B.); (D.S.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
| | - Domenico Bergero
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (M.T.); (E.M.); (D.B.); (D.S.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
| | - Dominga Soglia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (M.T.); (E.M.); (D.B.); (D.S.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
| | - Damiano Cavallini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, Italy;
| | - Ingrid Vervuert
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Clara Bordin
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (M.T.); (E.M.); (D.B.); (D.S.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
| | - Pasquale De Palo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy;
| | - Emanuela Valle
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (M.T.); (E.M.); (D.B.); (D.S.); (C.B.); (E.V.)
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Meny P, Iglesias T, Menéndez C, Quintero J, Ríos C, Ashfield N, Ferreira O, Mosca V, De Brun L, Ortiz G, De Vries I, Varela G, Schelotto F. Seroprevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in equines and associated workers-Isolation of Leptospira interrogans serogroup Canicola from equine urine. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:526-536. [PMID: 35347868 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12942] [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: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To investigate seroprevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in equines and associated workers in Uruguay, 891 equine and 150 human sera were drawn; 212 equine urine samples were also taken for culture. Environmental conditions and equine raising or managing practices were recorded in all 72 visited establishments; epidemiological information was obtained from each worker. Microscopic agglutination technique (MAT) was performed with 10 Leptospira strains for equines and 18 for human sera, that were also studied with IgM indirect immunofluorescence (IgM-IIF). Equine titres ≥100 were considered positive, and human sera titres ≥200 suggested probable recent or past infection. Urines were cultured in Ellinghausen-McCullough-Johnson-Harris (EMJH) media; local identification of one obtained isolate with lipL32 PCR, Multiple Locus Variable number tandem repeat Analysis and partial rrs gene sequencing, were completed at Institut Pasteur, Paris. Estimated reactivity was 61.3% for equines, which was higher than the studied bovine national levels (21%) and mainly observed with Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup (40.3%), Sejroe, Canicola, Pomona or Ballum. Aged animals from slaughterhouses and cattle farms were the most frequently positive. Multiple regression analysis confirmed a significant association between seropositivity and equine age. Only one positive culture could be fully studied, and confirmed to be Leptospira interrogans serogroup Canicola; it was added to the MAT antigen panel and revealed fairly frequent reaction with equine and human sera. Three workers (2%) showed titres = 200 with Icterohaemorrhagiae or Canicola serogroups, without recent clinical manifestations. Their attended equines reacted with the same serogroups, suggesting common source infections or infection transmitted by equines. Three other humans yielded titres = 100, and none of the 150 showed an IgM-IIF-positive result. Equines seem not to be an important origin of regional human leptospirosis, except perhaps during acute animal infection. More culture work is required to study intensity and lapses of leptospiruria, as well as to further identify circulating strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Meny
- Bacteriology and Virology Department, Hygiene Institute, Medicine Faculty, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Tamara Iglesias
- Bacteriology and Virology Department, Hygiene Institute, Medicine Faculty, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Clara Menéndez
- Bacteriology and Virology Department, Hygiene Institute, Medicine Faculty, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Jair Quintero
- Bacteriology and Virology Department, Hygiene Institute, Medicine Faculty, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cristina Ríos
- Veterinary Faculty, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Natalia Ashfield
- Bacteriology and Virology Department, Hygiene Institute, Medicine Faculty, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Oscar Ferreira
- Veterinary Faculty, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Virginia Mosca
- Veterinary Faculty, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Laureana De Brun
- Veterinary Faculty, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gabriela Ortiz
- Veterinary Faculty, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Isabel De Vries
- Veterinary Faculty, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gustavo Varela
- Bacteriology and Virology Department, Hygiene Institute, Medicine Faculty, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Felipe Schelotto
- Bacteriology and Virology Department, Hygiene Institute, Medicine Faculty, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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10
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Wollanke B, Gerhards H, Ackermann K. Infectious Uveitis in Horses and New Insights in Its Leptospiral Biofilm-Related Pathogenesis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:387. [PMID: 35208842 PMCID: PMC8875353 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveitis is a sight-threatening eye disease in equids known worldwide that leads to considerable pain and suffering. By far the most common type of uveitis in Germany and neighboring countries is classical equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), which is caused by chronic intraocular leptospiral infection and is the main cause of infectious uveitis in horses. Other infectious causes are extremely rare and are usually clinically distinguishable from ERU. ERU can be treated very effectively by vitreous cavity lavage (vitrectomy). For proper indications of this demanding surgery, it is necessary to differentiate ERU from other types of uveitis in which vitrectomy is not helpful. This can be conducted on the basis of anamnesis in combination with ophthalmologic findings and by aqueous humor examination. During vitrectomy, vitreous material is obtained. These vitreous samples have historically been used for numerous etiologic studies. In this way, a chronic intraocular leptospiral infection has been shown to be the cause of typical ERU and, among other findings, ERU has also been recognized as a biofilm infection, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of ERU and explaining some thus far unexplainable phenomena of ERU. ERU may not only have transmissible aspects to some types of uveitis in humans but may also serve as a model for a spontaneously occurring biofilm infection. Vitreous material obtained during therapeutically indicated vitrectomy can be used for further studies on in vivo biofilm formation, biofilm composition and possible therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Wollanke
- Equine Clinic, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany; (H.G.); (K.A.)
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11
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Detection of Anti-LipL32 Antibodies in Serum Samples from Horses with Chronic Intraocular Infection with Leptospira spp. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101325. [PMID: 34684272 PMCID: PMC8537251 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is typically caused by chronic intraocular leptospiral infection in warm-blooded horses in central Europe. The most effective therapy for leptospiral-induced ERU is the surgical removal of diseased vitreous (vitrectomy). Since vitrectomy is a highly specialized and invasive surgery, the indication must be determined very carefully. In order to obtain evidence of intraocular leptospiral infection by laboratory diagnostics in questionable leptospiral ERU-cases, sampling of aqueous humor is required, because serum tests using microscopic agglutination test (MAT) are too unspecific. The SNAP Lepto is a cross-species rapid test for the detection of anti-Lipl32 antibodies that has a high sensitivity (0.97) and specificity (1.00) for the detection of anti-leptospiral antibodies using aqueous humor or vitreous samples, which is comparable to MAT. To evaluate sensitivity and specificity of SNAP Lepto using serum, serum samples from 90 horses with confirmed leptospiral ERU and from 103 ocularly healthy horses were tested by both MAT and SNAP Lepto. Sensitivity was similar for both tests (0.82 vs. 0.79), but specificity was lower for MAT (0.52 vs. 0.95). Sensitivity and specificity are therefore lower in serum samples compared to intraocular samples, however, the SNAP Lepto is far superior to MAT and suitable as a screening method using equine serum.
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12
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Himebaugh NE, Gilger BC. Role of
Leptospira
spp. testing and ocular examination in horses with equine recurrent uveitis: A retrospective study of 63 horses. EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- N. E. Himebaugh
- Department of Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine North Carolina State University Raleigh North Carolina USA
| | - B. C. Gilger
- Department of Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine North Carolina State University Raleigh North Carolina USA
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13
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Piredda I, Ponti MN, Piras A, Palmas B, Pintore P, Pedditzi A, Chisu V. New Insights on Leptospira Infections in a Canine Population from North Sardinia, Italy: A Sero-Epidemiological Study. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10060507. [PMID: 34200298 PMCID: PMC8226461 DOI: 10.3390/biology10060507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis recognized as a re-emerging infectious disease in a wide variety of animal species, including humans and dogs. No data exist regarding the presence of Leptospira species in the canine population of Sardinia Island. This study reports the first sero-survey for leptospirosis in kennel and owned dogs from six areas of the north of Sardinia. Sera from 1296 dogs were tested by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) specific for nine different serovars that are known to be well widespread in the Mediterranean environment. Moreover, kidney homogenates from rodents collected from the study area were also analyzed by LipL32 real-time PCR and multi-locus sequence type (MLST) on the basis of the analysis of seven concatenated loci. A total of 13% of the examined sera (95%CI: 11-15) tested positive for one or more serovars of Leptospira MAT detected; antibodies for serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae (57%; 95%CI: 49-65) were the most common, followed by serovars Bratislava (22%; 95%CI: 16-28), Canicola (14%; 95%CI: 9-19), and Grippotyphosa (7%; 95%CI: 3-11). MLST analyses on isolates from rodents identified L. interrogans and L. borgpetersenii genomospecies. Different serovars belonging to pathogenic Leptospira serogroups are circulating in dogs from the island. Moreover, data obtained from rodents, indicated that rodents likely act as reservoir of spirochetes. Further sero-epidemiological studies are needed in order to obtain data from other collection sites in Sardinia and to increase the information on Leptospira species circulating in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Piredda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Department of Animal Health, Laboratory of Seroimmunology, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.N.P.); (B.P.); (P.P.); (A.P.); (V.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-079-289-2329
| | - Maria Nicoletta Ponti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Department of Animal Health, Laboratory of Seroimmunology, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.N.P.); (B.P.); (P.P.); (A.P.); (V.C.)
| | - Angela Piras
- Azienda Socio Sanitaria Locale, Azienda Tutela Salute, 09047 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Bruna Palmas
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Department of Animal Health, Laboratory of Seroimmunology, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.N.P.); (B.P.); (P.P.); (A.P.); (V.C.)
| | - Pierangela Pintore
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Department of Animal Health, Laboratory of Seroimmunology, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.N.P.); (B.P.); (P.P.); (A.P.); (V.C.)
| | - Aureliana Pedditzi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Department of Animal Health, Laboratory of Seroimmunology, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.N.P.); (B.P.); (P.P.); (A.P.); (V.C.)
| | - Valentina Chisu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Department of Animal Health, Laboratory of Seroimmunology, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.N.P.); (B.P.); (P.P.); (A.P.); (V.C.)
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14
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Serological Survey of Leptospira Infection in Arabian Horses in Poland. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060688. [PMID: 34206112 PMCID: PMC8228686 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is one of the most common zoonotic infections worldwide, including in most livestock, some companion animals, horses, wildlife, and humans. Epidemiological estimation of its prevalence in all species is difficult due to the variety of clinical presentations and challenges regarding laboratory diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to measure the seroprevalence of leptospiral infection in Arabian horses kept in the largest breeding farms in Poland, representing over 15% of the Polish Arabian horse population. Leptospira antibodies were detected by MAT (cut-off 1:100) in 33.2% of serum samples (204 of 615 animals) (CI 95%: 29.6–37.0%), most frequently reacting with the serovar Grippotyphosa, similar to previous reports in populations of randomly selected horses. These results indicated high Leptospira seropositivity, thus, although any form of clinical leptospirosis is rare, it may be postulated that the leptospiral exposure is widespread.
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15
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Piredda I, Ponti MN, Palmas B, Noworol M, Pedditzi A, Rebechesu L, Chisu V. Molecular Typing of Pathogenic Leptospira Species Isolated from Wild Mammal Reservoirs in Sardinia. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041109. [PMID: 33924303 PMCID: PMC8069414 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic spirochaetes of the genus Leptospira. Humans can become infected with these bacteria through direct contact with urine from infected animals or indirectly through interaction with a urine contaminated environment. Among wildlife species, rodents are considered the primary reservoir hosts for leptospirosis in rural and urban environments. Epidemiological data, regarding leptospirosis in various wild species in Europe, suggest that these animals play a different role in leptospiral persistence. Unfortunately, studies on the presence and typing of Leptospira species in wild mammals are lacking in Sardinia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Leptospira species in wild mammals. Kidneys collected from carcasses were analyzed by culture and molecular testing. Greater positivity was found in hedgehogs, followed by weasels and rodents. The results obtained suggest that Sardinian fauna may play a possible sentinel role in the transmission cycle of leptospirosis to humans. Gathering this information in different wildlife species is crucial for better understanding of the epidemiology of leptospirosis and for the development of appropriate prevention measures. Abstract Leptospirosis is a global zoonosis caused by pathogenic species of Leptospira that infect a large spectrum of domestic and wild animals. This study is the first molecular identification, characterization, and phylogeny of Leptospira strains with veterinary and zoonotic impact in Sardinian wild hosts. All samples collected were cultured and analyzed by multiplex real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Sequencing, phylogenetic analyses (based on rrs and secY sequences), and Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) based on the analysis of seven concatenated loci were also performed. Results revealed the detection of Leptospira DNA and cultured isolates in 21% and 4% of the samples examined, respectively. Sequence analysis of Leptospira positive samples highlighted the presence of the interrogans and borgpetersenii genospecies that grouped in strongly supported monophyletic clades. MLST analyses identified six different Sequence Types (ST) that clustered in two monophyletic groups specific for Leptospirainterrogans, and L. borgpetersenii. This study provided about the prevalence of leptospires in wild mammals in Sardinia, and increased our knowledge of this pathogen on the island. Monitoring Leptospira strains circulating in Sardinia will help clinicians and veterinarians develop strategic plans for the prevention and control of leptospiral infections.
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16
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Tirosh-Levy S, Baum M, Schvartz G, Kalir B, Pe’er O, Shnaiderman-Torban A, Bernstein M, Blum SE, Steinman A. Seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. in Horses in Israel. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040408. [PMID: 33915691 PMCID: PMC8065697 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis has been reported in both humans and animals in Israel but has not been reported in horses. In 2018, an outbreak of Leptospira spp. serogroup Pomona was reported in humans and cattle in Israel. In horses, leptospirosis may cause equine recurrent uveitis (ERU). This report describes the first identification of Leptospira serogroup Pomona as the probable cause of ERU in horses in Israel, followed by an epidemiological investigation of equine exposure in the area. Serologic exposure to Leptospira was determined by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) using eight serovars. In 2017, serovar Pomona was identified in a mare with signs of ERU. Seven of thirteen horses from that farm were seropositive for serogroup Pomona, of which three had signs of ERU. During the same time period, 14/70 horses from three other farms were positive for serogroup Pomona. In 2015, two years prior to this diagnosis, 259 horses from 21 farms were sampled and one horse tested seropositive for serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae. In 2018, one year later, 337 horses were sampled on 29 farms, with none testing seropositive. Although horses are not considered a major host of Leptospira spp., it appears that horses may be infected, and clinically affected, in the course of an outbreak in other species. The identification of leptospirosis in stabled horses may impose a significant zoonotic risk to people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (G.S.); (B.K.); (O.P.); (A.S.-T.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Miri Baum
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 50200, Israel; (M.B.); (M.B.); (S.E.B.)
| | - Gili Schvartz
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (G.S.); (B.K.); (O.P.); (A.S.-T.); (A.S.)
| | - Boaz Kalir
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (G.S.); (B.K.); (O.P.); (A.S.-T.); (A.S.)
| | - Oren Pe’er
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (G.S.); (B.K.); (O.P.); (A.S.-T.); (A.S.)
| | - Anat Shnaiderman-Torban
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (G.S.); (B.K.); (O.P.); (A.S.-T.); (A.S.)
| | - Michael Bernstein
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 50200, Israel; (M.B.); (M.B.); (S.E.B.)
| | - Shlomo E. Blum
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 50200, Israel; (M.B.); (M.B.); (S.E.B.)
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (G.S.); (B.K.); (O.P.); (A.S.-T.); (A.S.)
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17
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Zilch TJ, Lee JJ, Saleem MZ, Zhang H, Cortese V, Voris N, McDonough SP, Divers TJ, Chang YF. Equine leptospirosis: Experimental challenge of Leptospira interrogans serovar Bratislava fails to establish infection in naïve horses. Equine Vet J 2021; 53:845-854. [PMID: 33617667 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little information is available about experimental inoculation of leptospirosis in horses and the pathogenicity of Leptospira interrogans serovar Bratislava in this host. OBJECTIVES To determine the serological, clinical, pathological and haematological responses of horses to L. interrogans serovar Bratislava strain PigK151. STUDY DESIGN Randomised controlled in vivo experiment. METHODS Ten seronegative female foals were divided into 2 groups, control (n = 4) and challenged (n = 6). The challenged group received 1 × 109 leptospires divided equally between topical ocular and intraperitoneal injections. Blood and urine samples were analysed. The temperature was recorded daily for the first 9 days, then weekly. Sera were tested by microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Automated complete blood count, differential and chemistry panel were performed. Histopathological analysis was performed on sections of liver, kidney, urinary bladder, uterine body and pineal gland. Sample culturing was performed from blood, urine, liver, kidney, reproductive tract and vitreous humour. RESULTS No pyrexia was noted. PCR and culture were negative from all samples. Differences between groups were found in CBC, differential counts and serum biochemistry panel (or profile), suggesting that leptospiral challenge triggered an inflammatory response. No evidence of leptospirosis was found from histopathological analysis. All challenged foals developed a humoral response. The MAT allowed the confirmation of the infecting serovar at a later stage, but it also revealed cross-reactive results that were further explained by genomic analysis. MAIN LIMITATIONS This experimental challenge had two main limitations: (a) the results might have varied if another strain from the same serovar had been used and (b) the use of another route of infection and a higher bacterial dose might have achieved colonisation. CONCLUSIONS Based on these findings, it may suggest that L. interrogans serovar Bratislava is neither pathogenic nor host-adapted serovar for horses, although these results might have varied if another strain from the same serovar had been used instead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago J Zilch
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jen-Jie Lee
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Muhammad Zain Saleem
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.,College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guanfzhou, China
| | | | | | - Sean P McDonough
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Thomas J Divers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Yung-Fu Chang
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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18
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Leptospira Seroprevalence in Colombian Dairy Herds. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030785. [PMID: 33799912 PMCID: PMC8000119 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Leptospirosis is one of the waterborne diseases whose spread could be significantly affected by global changes that act on the environment, both in Latin America and in other parts of the world. However, there are few studies regarding leptospirosis in cattle from Latin America, especially from Colombia. The aim of the present study was to determine the overall and within-herd seroprevalence and mapping of different Leptospira serovars in dairy cattle from farms located in some municipalities of the Colombian department of Boyacá. A high proportion (95%) of herds with at least one seropositive animal was found. Moreover, within-herd seroprevalence was very high in 20% of the herds. The frequent presence of other domestic animals on farms could be a risk factor for the spread of the infection. Human leptospirosis seroprevalence in some areas of Colombia is high. However, we found that the most common serotypes involved in human disease were the ones with the lowest seroprevalences in cattle in the investigated area. This suggests that cattle could represent a minor risk factor for the transmission of Leptospira infection to humans. Nevertheless, the need for stricter preventive measures in cattle farms has emerged. Abstract Leptospirosis in cattle has important economic effects on the infected farms. Moreover, livestock farming is considered a major occupational risk factor for the transmission of Leptospira infection to humans. A survey was performed to determine the overall and within-herd seroprevalence and mapping of different Leptospira serovars in dairy cattle from farms located in some municipalities of the Colombian department of Boyacá. Nine hundred and fifty-nine animals, from 20 unvaccinated and one vaccinated herd, were included in the study. Anti-Leptospira serum antibodies were detected by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Only one herd was seronegative. Overall seroprevalence to at least one serovar of Leptospira was 24.1% for unvaccinated animals and 62.3% for animals from the vaccinated herd. A very high within-herd seroprevalence (>60%) was present in 20% of the unvaccinated herds. The presence in the vaccinated herd of 20/398 animals showing high titers, between 1000 and 4000, to at least one serovar of Leptospira suggest that some animals could have been infected. Moreover, due to the presence of seronegative animals, a failure of vaccination immunity or the presence of unvaccinated animals in the vaccinated herd cannot be excluded. In all farms, domestic animals other than cattle were present. Considering the farming practices occurring on dairy farms in the study area, higher hygienic standards and stricter biosecurity measures are suggested.
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19
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Bonacina E, Oltolina M, Robbiati R, Pinzauti P, Ebani VV. Serological Survey on the Occurrence of Anti- Leptospira spp. Antibodies in Red-Eared Terrapins ( Trachemys scripta elegans) Living in a Natural Park of Northern Italy. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030602. [PMID: 33668811 PMCID: PMC7996346 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although it has been supposed that reptiles, including chelonians, are involved in the epidemiology of Leptospira, data about leptospirosis in turtles are very scant. In the present survey, Trachemys scripta elegans terrapins living in a natural park were tested to verify the presence of antibodies against Leptospira spp., with 6% being positive. Infected turtles could be a source of infection for other animals and humans, shedding leptospirae into the environment. However, further studies are necessary to verify if Leptospira may cause disease in turtles or if these animals may serve as reservoirs. Abstract Turtles are suspected to be involved in the epidemiology of Leptospira; however, data about the dissemination of this zoonotic pathogen among chelonians are scant. In the present study, the serum samples collected from 49 Trachemys scripta elegans living in a natural park of northern Italy were tested by a microagglutination test to measure detectable antibodies against different Leptospira serovars. Three (6.12%) turtles had agglutinins to the serovar Tarassovi, suggesting that they were exposed to the spirochaetes. Currently, it is not clear if Leptospira can cause disease in chelonians or if these animals can serve as reservoirs of leptospirae. Considering that chelonians often share the same environment with other animals and humans, and considering the One Health perspective, investigations to better understand the role of chelonians as a source of Leptospira infection are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Bonacina
- Parco Faunistico Le Cornelle, via Cornelle 16, 24030 Valbrembo (BG), Italy; (E.B.); (M.O.); (R.R.)
| | - Maurizio Oltolina
- Parco Faunistico Le Cornelle, via Cornelle 16, 24030 Valbrembo (BG), Italy; (E.B.); (M.O.); (R.R.)
| | - Roberto Robbiati
- Parco Faunistico Le Cornelle, via Cornelle 16, 24030 Valbrembo (BG), Italy; (E.B.); (M.O.); (R.R.)
| | - Paolo Pinzauti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa (PI), Italy;
| | - Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa (PI), Italy;
- Correspondence:
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Bolwell CF, Rogers CW, Benschop J, Collins-Emerson JM, Adams B, Scarfe KR, Gee EK. Seroprevalence of Leptospira in Racehorses and Broodmares in New Zealand. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10111952. [PMID: 33114082 PMCID: PMC7690811 DOI: 10.3390/ani10111952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of Leptospira in a cohort of horses and to evaluate potential risk factors for Leptospira seropositivity in horses in New Zealand. The convenience sample included 499 Thoroughbred racing and breeding horses from 25 commercial properties in North Island, New Zealand. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic data on horses and property-level information on grazing and management practices, pest (rodent) management, access to natural waterways, other livestock on the property, and possible contact with wildlife. The microscopic agglutination test was used to test sera for serovars Ballum, Copenhageni, Hardjo (bovis), Pomona, and Tarassovi. Logistic regression was used to investigate the risk factors for Leptospira seropositivity to at least one serovar and for each serovar individually. A total of 124 (25%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 21-29%) horses had positive titres to any one of the five serovars. The seroprevalence of Ballum, Copenhageni, Hardjo (bovis), Pomona, and Tarassovi was 5% (95% CI 3-7%), 9% (95% CI 7-12%), 6% (95% CI 4-8%), 6% (95% CI 4-8%), and 6% (95% CI 4-8%), respectively. Broodmares, compared to racehorses and alternately grazing horses with sheep, increased the odds of exposure to any one serovar, whilst grazing the same time as sheep and alternately grazing horses with cattle increased the odds of exposure to Ballum and Hardjo (bovis), respectively. Historical exposure to Leptospira in racing and breeding horses was identified, and risk factors were consistent with pasture-based exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte F. Bolwell
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (C.W.R.); (J.B.); (J.M.C.-E.); (B.A.); (E.K.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +64-6-356-9099
| | - Chris W. Rogers
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (C.W.R.); (J.B.); (J.M.C.-E.); (B.A.); (E.K.G.)
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Jackie Benschop
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (C.W.R.); (J.B.); (J.M.C.-E.); (B.A.); (E.K.G.)
| | - Julie M. Collins-Emerson
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (C.W.R.); (J.B.); (J.M.C.-E.); (B.A.); (E.K.G.)
| | - Brooke Adams
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (C.W.R.); (J.B.); (J.M.C.-E.); (B.A.); (E.K.G.)
| | - Katherine R. Scarfe
- IDEXX Laboratories (NZ) ULC, School of Veterinary Science Complex, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand;
| | - Erica K. Gee
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (C.W.R.); (J.B.); (J.M.C.-E.); (B.A.); (E.K.G.)
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