Leptospiral agglutinins in captive and free ranging non-human primates in Sarawak, Malaysia

S Thayaparan,I D Robertson,M T Abdullah

doi:10.14202/vetworld.2014.428-431

Abstract

Aim: The proposed study was carried outto determine the extent of exposure to leptospirosis in non-human primates. Materials and Methods: Trapping of non-human primates was carried out opportunistically around the Bako National Park and the Matang Wildlife Center in the vicinity of human settlements and tourism areas of Sarawak. Blood samples were obtained from the saphenous vein to determine the presence of antibodies by the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) to 17 serovars of Leptospira commonly found in Malaysia. Results: This study reports the screening of twelve primates (eight captive and four free ranging) for leptospirosis. Eight of the 12 monkeys (66.6%; 95%CI 34.9-90.1) reacted against one ortwo serovars of Leptospira(Lai and Leptospira Lepto175). The serovar Lai is considered pathogenic for different mammals, including humans. Leptospira Lepto 175 has been identified as an intermediate strain and further studies are being undertaken on this serovar. Conclusion: These results are important as primates may act as reservoirs of Leptospira spp. for humans, which may potentially affect tourism (economic loss), conservation efforts and public health.

Highlights

Leptospira have been detected from wildlife in many countries, their role as reservoirs is still poorly understood [1,2,3]
These results are important as primates may act as reservoirs of Leptospira spp. for humans, which may potentially affect tourism, conservation efforts and public health
Evidence of exposure of silverleaf and proboscis monkeys to leptospires was found and there is an urgent need to undertake more investigations on free ranging non-human primates in Malaysia to understand their role in the transmission of leptospires

Summary

Introduction

Leptospira have been detected from wildlife in many countries, their role as reservoirs is still poorly understood [1,2,3]. Leptospirosis can result in economic losses in domesticated animals and has the potential to be an important zoonotic disease of humans [4]. Recently Australian and Peruvian researchers have reported that bats can carry pathogenic Leptospira, [1,2, 6], their role as carriers is not fully understood. Other wildlife, including primates, can act as potential carriers of these pathogens [7,8,9,10]. Leptospirosis in wildlife can affect biodiversity, human and livestock health, animal welfare and the national economy [4]

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Discussion

Conclusion