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Balboni A, D'Incau M, Zamagni S, Lucchese L, Mazzotta E, Marchione S, Battilani M, Natale A. Identification of the most effective serovars to be included in the MAT antigen panel to optimize the serodiagnosis of Leptospira infection in Northern Italy. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:2185-2192. [PMID: 36929155 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10103-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) assay is adopted as a world-wide reference test for the serodiagnosis of leptospirosis in humans and animals. One of the main limitations of MAT is the lack of sensitivity and serodiagnostic antigens should be periodically updated with locally circulating serovars in order to optimise its performance. The aim of this study was to determine the need to implement the antigen panel currently adopted in Northern Italy for the diagnosis of Leptospira infection in dogs. For this purpose, a group of 288 dogs with and without clinical signs potentially consistent with Leptospira infection or found to have an increased C-reactive protein (CRP) serum concentration, sampled in 2013-2016 in Northern Italy, were tested by MAT comparing the results obtained with a nine antigens panel (Australis-Bratislava, Ballum-Ballum, Canicola-Canicola, Grippotyphosa-Grippotyphosa, Icterohaemorrhagiae-Copenhageni, Icterohaemorrhagiae-Icterohaemorrhagiae, Sejroe-Hardjo, Pomona-Pomona and Tarassovi-Tarassovi serovars) routinely adopted and a panel expanded to 27 antigens. In general, the antigen panel currently adopted in Northern Italy for the routine MAT assay resulted adequate for the diagnosis of Leptospira infection in dogs. The main exception concerns the Sejroe serogroup, with the Saxkoebing and Sejroe serovars that were more effective than Hardjo for diagnosis in dogs and whose inclusion in the antigen panel is recommended. Among other antigens evaluated in this study, Cynopteri serovar was detected with high frequency but its pathogenic role in dogs and as public health threat deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Balboni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Mario D'Incau
- Italian Reference Centre for Animal Leptospirosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", Brescia, 25121, Italy
| | - Silvia Zamagni
- Veterinary Practitioner at the Centro Veterinario Romagnolo, Coriano, Rimini, 47853, Italy
| | - Laura Lucchese
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, Legnaro, Padova, 35020, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzotta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, Legnaro, Padova, 35020, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchione
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, Legnaro, Padova, 35020, Italy
| | - Mara Battilani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Alda Natale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, Legnaro, Padova, 35020, Italy.
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Sykes JE, Francey T, Schuller S, Stoddard RA, Cowgill LD, Moore GE. Updated ACVIM consensus statement on leptospirosis in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:1966-1982. [PMID: 37861061 PMCID: PMC10658540 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Since publication of the last consensus statement on leptospirosis in dogs, there has been revision of leptospiral taxonomy and advancements in typing methods, widespread use of new diagnostic tests and vaccines, and improved understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of the disease. Leptospirosis continues to be prevalent in dogs, including in small breed dogs from urban areas, puppies as young as 11 weeks of age, geriatric dogs, dogs in rural areas, and dogs that have been inadequately vaccinated for leptospirosis (including dogs vaccinated with 2-serovar Leptospira vaccines in some regions). In 2021, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Board of Regents voted to approve the topic for a revised Consensus Statement. After identification of core panelists, a multidisciplinary group of 6 experts from the fields of veterinary medicine, human medicine, and public health was assembled to vote on the recommendations using the Delphi method. A draft was presented at the 2023 ACVIM Forum, and a written draft posted on the ACVIM website for comment by the membership before submission to the editors of the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. This revised document provides guidance for veterinary practitioners on disease in dogs as well as cats. The level of agreement among the 12 voting members (including core panelists) is provided in association with each recommendation. A denominator lower than 12 reflects abstention of ≥1 panelists either because they considered the recommendation to be outside their scope of expertise or because there was a perceived conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E. Sykes
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologyUniversity of California, DavisDavisCalifornia95616USA
| | - Thierry Francey
- Department of Clinical Veterinary ScienceVetsuisse Faculty, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Simone Schuller
- Department of Clinical Veterinary ScienceVetsuisse Faculty, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Robyn A. Stoddard
- Bacterial Special Pathogens BranchCenters for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgia30333USA
| | - Larry D Cowgill
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologyUniversity of California, DavisDavisCalifornia95616USA
| | - George E. Moore
- Department of Veterinary AdministrationPurdue UniversityWest Lafayette, Indiana 47907USA
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Díaz EA, Arroyo G, Sáenz C, Mena L, Barragán V. Leptospirosis in horses: Sentinels for a neglected zoonosis? A systematic review. Vet World 2023; 16:2110-2119. [PMID: 38023277 PMCID: PMC10668546 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.2110-2119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Leptospirosis is considered a neglected tropical zoonosis in low-income countries due to surveillance system limitations and non-specificity of symptoms. Humans become infected through direct contact with carrier animals or indirectly through Leptospira-contaminated environments. Conventionally, equines have been considered an uncommon source of leptospirosis, but recent publications in Latin America suggest that their role in the maintenance and dispersion of the bacteria could be more relevant than expected, as horses are susceptible to a wide variety of zoonotic Leptospira spp. from domestic and wild animals with which they share the environment. A systematic review of the published literature was conducted to compile the available information on Leptospira spp. in Ecuador, with a special focus on equine leptospirosis, to better understand the epidemiology of the bacterium and identify possible knowledge gaps. Materials and Methods A systematic review of the published literature was conducted in PubMed, SciELO and Web of Science databases to compile the available information on Leptospira spp. in Ecuador, with a special focus on equine leptospirosis, to better understand the epidemiology of the bacterium. We used a combination of the terms (Leptospira OR Leptospirosis) AND Ecuador, without restrictions on language or publication date. Results Our literature review reveals that published scientific information is very scarce. Eighteen full-text original scientific articles related to Leptospira or leptospirosis cases in Ecuador were included in the systematic review. Most of the studies reported data obtained from one of the four regions (Coast), and specifically from only one of the 24 Provinces of Ecuador (Manabí), which evidence a large information bias at the geographical level. Furthermore, only the studies focused on humans included clinical signs of leptospirosis and there is only one study that analyzes the presence of Leptospira spp. in water or soil as a risk factor for pathogen transmission. Finally, only one study investigated Leptospira in horses. Conclusion Since sentinel species can provide useful data on infectious diseases when epidemiologic al information is lacking, and horses could be considered excellent sentinel species to reveal circulating serovars, we propose developing a nationwide surveillance system using horses. This cost-effective epidemiological survey method provides a baseline for implementing specific prevention and control programs in Ecuador and neighboring developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo A. Díaz
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego Robles, Quito, 170157, Ecuador
| | - Gabriela Arroyo
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego Robles, Quito, 170157, Ecuador
| | - Carolina Sáenz
- Hospital de Fauna Silvestre Tueri, Instituto iBIOTROP, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego Robles, Quito, 170157, Ecuador
| | - Luis Mena
- Carrera de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Pecuarias, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo ESPOCH, Riobamba, 060155, Ecuador
| | - Verónica Barragán
- Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Instituto de Microbiología, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego Robles, Quito, 170157, Ecuador
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Hegedus C, Andronie L, Uiuiu P, Jurco E, Lazar EA, Popescu S. Pets, Genuine Tools of Environmental Pollutant Detection. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2923. [PMID: 37760323 PMCID: PMC10525180 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182923] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In a shared environment, our companion animals became unintended sentinels for pollutant exposure consequences, developing even earlier similar conditions to humans. This review focused on the human-pet cohabitation in an environment we all share. Alongside other species, canine and feline companions are veritable models in human medical research. The latency period for showing chronic exposure effects to pollutants is just a few years in them, compared to considerably more, decades in humans. Comparing the serum values of people and their companion animals can, for example, indicate the degree of poisonous lead load we are exposed to and of other substances as well. We can find 2.4 times higher perfluorochemicals from stain- and grease-proof coatings in canine companions, 23 times higher values of flame retardants in cats, and 5 times more mercury compared to the average levels tested in humans. All these represent early warning signals. Taking these into account, together with the animal welfare orientation of today's society, finding non-invasive methods to detect the degree of environmental pollution in our animals becomes paramount, alongside the need to raise awareness of the risks carried by certain chemicals we knowingly use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Hegedus
- Department of Fundamental Sciences, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Luisa Andronie
- Department of Biophysics, Meteorology and Climatology, Faculty of Forestry and Cadastre, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Paul Uiuiu
- Department of Fundamental Sciences, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Eugen Jurco
- Department of Technological Sciences, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Eva Andrea Lazar
- Association for the Welfare of Horses, 725700 Vatra Dornei, Romania;
| | - Silvana Popescu
- Department of Animal Hygiene and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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Grippi F, Blanda V, Galluzzo P, Bongiorno M, Sciacca C, Arcuri F, D’Agostino R, Giacchino I, Gucciardi F, D’Incau M, Bertasio C, Torina A, Guercio A. A Canine Leptospirosis Clinical Case Due to Leptospira interrogans (Serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae) in a Dog Kennel in Castelvetrano (Western Sicily, South Italy). Vet Sci 2023; 10:508. [PMID: 37624294 PMCID: PMC10458989 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10080508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a worldwide widespread zoonosis caused by Leptospira genus. We report an acute leptospirosis case in a puppy housed at a municipal kennel and the subsequent diagnostic investigations carried out on all dogs housed in the kennel. Laboratory investigation included mainly a microagglutination test, real-time PCR, and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) for Leptospira genus. Other agents of infection were excluded. The puppy resulted positive for Leptospira interrogans Icterohaemorrhagiae both with serological and molecular assays. All of the other 66 dogs in the kennel underwent clinical and laboratory investigations twice, 15 days apart. No other dog showed leptospirosis clinical signs. At the first sampling, eight dogs (12%) showed antibodies against Leptospira interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorragiae serovar Copenhageni. Real-time PCR on urine samples of seropositive dogs detected Leptospira spp. DNA in one sample, then identified as Leptospira interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorragiae by MLST. Fifteen days after, four of the previous seropositive dogs still showed antibodies against Leptospira spp. All urine samples collected from seropositive dogs were negative at real-time PCR. The study allowed the early confirmation of a Leptospirosis case and the identification of at least one asymptomatic carrier of pathogenic Leptospira spp. The prompt activation of all appropriate management measures allowed limiting and extinguishing the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Grippi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (F.G.); (C.S.); (F.A.); (R.D.); (I.G.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (A.G.)
| | - Valeria Blanda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (F.G.); (C.S.); (F.A.); (R.D.); (I.G.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (A.G.)
| | - Paola Galluzzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (F.G.); (C.S.); (F.A.); (R.D.); (I.G.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (A.G.)
| | - Manuel Bongiorno
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione Veterinaria-Area di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Unità Operativa Territoriale Alcamo Castelvetrano, Via Sardegna, 91022 Castelvetrano, Italy;
| | - Carmela Sciacca
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (F.G.); (C.S.); (F.A.); (R.D.); (I.G.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (A.G.)
| | - Francesca Arcuri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (F.G.); (C.S.); (F.A.); (R.D.); (I.G.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (A.G.)
| | - Rosalia D’Agostino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (F.G.); (C.S.); (F.A.); (R.D.); (I.G.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (A.G.)
| | - Ilenia Giacchino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (F.G.); (C.S.); (F.A.); (R.D.); (I.G.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (A.G.)
| | - Francesca Gucciardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (F.G.); (C.S.); (F.A.); (R.D.); (I.G.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (A.G.)
| | - Mario D’Incau
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (M.D.); (C.B.)
| | - Cristina Bertasio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (M.D.); (C.B.)
| | - Alessandra Torina
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (F.G.); (C.S.); (F.A.); (R.D.); (I.G.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (A.G.)
| | - Annalisa Guercio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (F.G.); (C.S.); (F.A.); (R.D.); (I.G.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (A.G.)
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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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Anderson T, Hamond C, Haluch A, Toot K, Nally JE, LeCount K, Schlater LK. Animals Exposed to Leptospira Serogroups Not Included in Bacterins in the United States and Puerto Rico. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8030183. [PMID: 36977184 PMCID: PMC10051158 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030183] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease. Pathogenic leptospires colonize the renal tubules and genital tract of animals and are excreted via urine. Transmission occurs via direct contact or through contaminated water or soil. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) is the gold standard for the serodiagnosis of leptospirosis. The present study aims to evaluate animal exposure to Leptospira in the U.S. and Puerto Rico during the period 2018-2020. The presence of antibodies against pathogenic Leptospira spp. was assessed with the MAT according to the standards of the World Organisation for Animal Health. A total of 568 sera were submitted for diagnostic, surveillance, or import/export testing from the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Seropositivity (≥1:100) was 51.8% (294/568) with agglutinating antibodies found in 115 (39.1%) cattle, 84 (28.6%) exotic animals, 38 (12.9%) horses, 22 (7.5%) goats, 15 (5.1%) dogs, 11 (3.7%) swine, and 9 (3.1%) sheep. The most detected serogroups were Australis, Grippotyphosa, and Ballum. The results showed that animals were exposed to serogroups/serovars not included in commercial bacterins such as Ballum, Bratislava (only in swine vaccine), and Tarassovi. Our findings suggest that more studies should include culture and concomitant genotyping to reduce animal disease and zoonotic risk through efficacious vaccine and diagnostic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Anderson
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Camila Hamond
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Andréa Haluch
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Kari Toot
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, ARS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Karen LeCount
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Linda K Schlater
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
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8
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Smith AM, Stull JW, Moore GE. Potential Drivers for the Re-Emergence of Canine Leptospirosis in the United States and Canada. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:377. [PMID: 36422928 PMCID: PMC9694660 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7110377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine leptospirosis is an important zoonotic disease in many countries. This review examines potential drivers for increased diagnoses of canine leptospirosis in the United States and Canada, using the epidemiologic triad of agent-environment-host as a template. Leptospira spp. are classified into more than 250 serovars, but in many laboratories only 6 are routinely tested for in serologic agglutination tests of canine sera. Leptospiral infections in dogs may potentially go undetected with unemployed or currently employed diagnostic methods. Disease transmission from infected reservoir hosts usually occurs via urine-contaminated environmental sources such as water. Direct contact between infected and susceptible individuals, environmental factors such as climate changes in temperature and/or rainfall, and increasing number and urbanization of reservoir hosts may greatly increase dog exposure risks. A dog's lifestyle may influence exposure risk to leptospirosis, but vaccination based on proper identification of circulating serogroups dramatically reduces post-exposure infections. Regrettably, resistance to vaccination by veterinarians and dog owners leaves a large number of dogs at risk for this zoonotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M. Smith
- College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jason W. Stull
- College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE CIA 4P3, Canada
| | - George E. Moore
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Ocular leptospirosis: lack of awareness among ophthalmologists and challenges in diagnosis. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2022; 33:532-542. [DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000000896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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10
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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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Medeiros EJDS, Ferreira LCA, Ortega JM, Cosate MRV, Sakamoto T. Genetic basis underlying the serological affinity of leptospiral serovars from serogroups Sejroe, Mini and Hebdomadis. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 103:105345. [PMID: 35917899 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a widely distributed zoonosis caused by pathogenic strains of bacteria of the genus Leptospira (Phylum Spirochaetes). Its agents are commonly classified based on their antigenic characteristics into serogroups and serovars, which are relevant for epidemiologic studies and vaccine development. Serological tests are considered laborious and require a specialized infrastructure. Some molecular methods have been proposed to accelerate these procedures, but they still can not replace the immunological tests, thus requiring a further understanding of the genetic basis underlying the serological classification. In this work, we focused on elucidating the genetic factors determinant for the serogroup Sejroe, which is one of the most prevalent serogroups in livestock. For this, we conducted a comparative analysis using >700 leptospiral genomic samples available in the public database. The analysis showed that the genes comprising the rfb locus are the main genetic factors associated with the serological classification. Samples from the serogroup Sejroe have an rfb locus with a conserved gene composition that differs from most other serogroups. Hebdomadis and Mini were the only serogroups whose samples have an rfb locus with similar gene composition to those from serogroup Sejroe, corroborating with the serological affinity shared by them. Finally, we could determine a small region in the rfb locus in which each of those three serogroups can be distinguished by its gene composition. This is the first work that uses an extensive repertoire of genomic data of leptospiral samples to elucidate the molecular basis of the serological classification and open the road to more reliable strategies based on molecular methods for serodiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliseu Jayro de Souza Medeiros
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment (BioME), Instituto Metrópole Digital (IMD), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Cabral Afonso Ferreira
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment (BioME), Instituto Metrópole Digital (IMD), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - J Miguel Ortega
- Laboratório de Biodados, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Tetsu Sakamoto
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment (BioME), Instituto Metrópole Digital (IMD), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Laboratório de Biodados, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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