Reservoirs Of Leptospira Research Articles

Outbreak of leptospirosis during a canyoning weekend, France, 2017

Introduction On 27 September 2017, a local hospital reported to the Regional Health Agency (RHA) Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, 5 suspected cases of leptospirosis. These cases (5 young men) took part in a canyoning weekend with a group of 26 persons in the Grenant River (Savoie, 73) during the second weekend of September. Four of them were hospitalized with fever, myalgia, arthralgia, thrombocytopenia and kidney, liver or neurological disorders. A multidisciplinary investigation team was set up in order to describe the outbreak, identify the likely source of infection and implement the necessary control measures. Methods The RHA asked canyoning clubs, laboratories, hospitals and general practitioners around the Grenant River to report possible cases to ensure all of them were identified. A possible case was a person of the group with symptoms compatible with leptospirosis between 9 September and 15 October 2017, and a confirmed case was a possible case with laboratory evidence (a biological test was proposed to each possible case). Each positive case was confirmed by the national reference center for leptospirosis (Institut Pasteur). A standardized questionnaire was used to interview each member of the group and collect demographic characteristics, clinical and biological information, recreational exposures during the whole weekend and information on individual protective measures used against leptospirosis. In the same time, environmental investigation was performed to explore potential infectious reservoirs and environmental conditions near to the canyoning site. Results Twenty-three participants of the group answered to the questionnaire. Three were unreachable. Five confirmed cases of leptospirosis were identified, either by PCR or serology. For two cases, the species L. kishneri was identified by sequencing and Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) analysis detected the serogroup grippotyphosa. The only environmental risk exposure identified was canyoning in the Grenant river water. During the activity, all the participants wore a full body wetsuit. Only the absence of gloves could be notice. Two cases reported some skin lesions, but no significant wounds. Several members mentioned the presence of cows on the riverside, which are a possible reservoir of leptospira. No wild animals were seen around the canyoning site or near the camping where the participants were staying during the weekend. However, the river surroundings are known as hunting areas where hunters eviscerate wilds animals. A significant flow with muddy water was also described by all of them. Moreover, this weekend has been preceded by heavy rainfall after a long dry period and environmental investigation pointed out the spreading of manure on the edge of the river. Conclusion According to the results, the most appropriate hypothesis is a contamination by contact of water with mucous membranes during canyoning activity. We observed many favorable environmental conditions including significant rainfall, presence of cows and manure spreading near to the canyoning site. The formal identification of the contamination source was not possible, but it was reported that in this region, Grippotyphosa is the third serogroup responsible for bovine leptospirosis. The RHA immediately suspended the canyoning activities in the Grenant until the end of the season. This request has also been related by social and professional networks. In addition, health professionals and all canyoning sites were informed about the outbreak, leptospirosis risk and individual prevention measures. We recommend to check compliance with the regulations on manure spreading, improve the application of preventive measures to practice fresh water sport, raise awareness about importance and benefit of a rapid medical consultation in case of symptoms, and recommend to health professionals in the region an active surveillance of cases to rapidly identify areas of transmission.

POTENSI KELELAWAR PEMAKAN BUAH (CHIROPTERA: PTERIPODIDAE) SEBAGAI RESERVOIR LEPTOSPIRA DI PROVINSI JAWA TENGAH

Beside as seed dispersal and high valued plant pollinator, frugivorous bat (Pteripodidae) also has a role as reservoir of Leptospira. This study was aimed to survey the the prevalence of Leptospira among Pteripodidae in three regencies of Central Java Province namely Purworejo, Pati and Pekalongan, and their potential as reservoir of Leptospira. This study used four mist nets and a harp trap to collect bat at each site of each regency which has six sites. The caught bats were identified morphologically and followed by serological examination by Microscopic Aglutinasion Test (MAT). A total of 278 Pteripodidae was examined by MAT consisting of five genera with eight species. The result of MAT for Leptospira showed that there are no examined bats were positif (0%). It indicated there is no sufficient evidence that Pteripodidae as potential reservoir of Leptospira in Central Java.

Diagnosis of Leptospira spp. Infection in Sheep Flocks in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Background: Leptospirosis has a worldwide distribution with high social and economic impact. It is caused by a variety of Leptospira spp. serovars, particularly in tropical regions. Various species of animals can be affected by Leptospira spp. including cattle, horses, sheep, goats and swine, and can act as a reservoir for human infection. In Brazil, sheep leptospirosis has been diagnosed in a variety of States, however, little is known about sheep flocks of Mato Grosso. Considering the marked growth of sheep industry in Mato Grosso State in past recent years, this study aimed to evaluate the frequency of serologically positive sheep for Leptospira spp. serovars in the State of Mato Grosso (Brazil).Materials, Methods & Results: Blood samples of 346 sheep, which belonged to 16 sheep flocks of the medium northern region of Mato Grosso was obtained by jugular vein puncture. Serum was obtained by blood centrifugation and stored at -20°C until the test to be performed. The diagnosis was performed using the microscopic agglutination test. Serovars Australis, Autumnalis, Bataviae, Bolívia, Castelonis, Celledoni, Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Hardjobovis, Hebdomadis, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Javanica, Lagoa, Norma, Panama, Pomona, Sejroe, Shermani, Szwajizak, and Wolffi were tested. Reactions were considered positive with minimum titration of 1:100. Considering all serovars, 54.9% of sheep were positive, and the serovar more frequently detected was Celledoni (22.8%), followed by Javanica (19.4%), Castellonis (16.5%), and Norma (15.3%), with predominance of titration of 100 for these serovars, while only one sheep had a titration of 1:800 detected for serovar Hardjo. All flocks (100%) were positive (at least one positive animal), with the frequency of animals positive to Leptospira spp. varying of 31.3% to 79.2% in flocks.Discussion: Infection for Leptospira spp. in humans has a large social and sanitary impact. Under an animal health perspective, beyond sanitary impact, leptospirosis have a large economic impact and can act as important reservoirs for Leptospira spp. for human infection, especially in tropical conditions, which favor the persistence of agent in the environment. The occurrence of sheep leptospirosis has been diagnosed in several States of Brazil as Rio Grande do Sul, Paraíba, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Maranhão, with frequency of herds positive for Leptospira spp. varying of 5.4% to 47.4%, however, the frequency of positive sheep in this study was higher than these previous reports in other Brazilian States. The most frequent serovar in sheep flocks have a great importance for prophylactic control. However, there were identified as main frequent serovar Celledoni and Javanica, which are considered unusual in sheep, and indicates a peculiar profile of ovine serovars for the region. Considering de high frequency of positive farms (100%) in Mato Grosso and the lack of studies about the occurrence of leptospirosis in this region, our results suggest the occurrence of risk factors that can favor the dispersion and survival of agent. Contact of the sheep evaluated in this study with other animal species such as cattle, dogs, and horses that can serve as a source for sheep infection or may become contaminated from sheep. Then, the profile of sheep infection by Leptospira spp. in the State of Mato Grosso has a peculiar profile of serovars, with high frequency of infection of animals and herds.

Serosurvey of Leptospira spp. and Toxoplasma gondii in rats captured from two zoos in Southern Brazil.

Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) are zoonotic reservoirs for Leptospira spp. and Toxoplasma gondii, and influence diseases in urban areas. Free-ranging and laboratory-raised rats from two zoos in southern Brazil were tested for Leptospira spp. and T. gondii using microscopic agglutination and modified agglutination tests, respectively. Overall, 25.6% and 4.6% free-ranging rats tested positive for Leptospira spp. and T. gondii, respectively, with co-seropositivity occurring in two animals. For laboratory-raised rats, 20% tested positive for Leptospira spp. Also, Leptospira biflexa serovar Patoc and Leptospira noguchii serovar Panama were found. Serosurveys can show the environmental prevalence of zoonotic pathogens.

Leptospira reservoirs among wildlife in Brazil: Beyond rodents

Leptospirosis is a disease of great importance in tropical regions. Infection occurs mainly through contact with water contaminated with the urine of infected animals, especially that of rodents. Despite the diversity and abundance of wild fauna in Brazil, little is known about the role of other wild species in the epidemiology of leptospirosis. This study aimed to investigate new reservoirs of Leptospira among wildlife in Brazil, using serological and molecular diagnoses in a large-sized sample. Biological samples were collected from 309 free-ranging mammals, belonging to 16 species. The majority of the animals included were opossums (Didelphis albiventris) and coatis (Nasua nasua). Blood and urine samples were subjected to the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and real-time PCR, respectively. Genetic characterization of genomospecies was performed using PCR amplicons. Statistical analysis was applied to test associations between positive diagnoses and age, sex, season and type of environment. The prevalence of infection found via MAT and PCR was 11% and 5.5%, respectively. If these tests are taken to be complementary, the overall prevalence was 16%. The most common serogroups were Djasiman and Australis, while L. santarosai was the prevalent genomospecies. Significant differences in prevalence between animal species were observed. Greater risk of infection was detected among adult opossums than among young ones. The influence of each serogroup and genomospecies was tested for the same variables, and this revealed higher risk of infection by L. santarosai among male opossums than among females. The present study highlights the exposure and carrier status of several wild species in Brazil and it indicates that coatis and other carnivores are priorities for further investigations.

Leptospira spp. in Small Mammals from Areas with Low and High Human Hantavirus Incidences in South-West Germany.

Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira spp. and is considered the most widespread zoonotic disease worldwide. It mimics nephropathia epidemica in humans, a disease mainly caused by Puumala hantavirus (PUUV). Small mammals are reservoirs for Leptospira spp. and PUUV. Seewis virus (SWSV) is a shrew-borne hantavirus with unknown pathogenicity. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence for Leptospira spp. and the frequency of Leptospira-hantavirus co-infections in small mammals collected at locations with high and low incidences in humans. In 2012 and 2013, 736 small mammals belonging to seven species (Apodemus flavicollis, Microtus agrestis, Microtus arvalis, Myodes glareolus, Sorex araneus, S. coronatus, and S. minutus) were collected at four high incidence sites (H1-H4) and four low (L1-L4) incidence sites for PUUV infection in humans. Kidney-derived DNA samples were tested for Leptospira spp. by real-time PCR targeting the lipl 32 gene and further analyzed by duplex PCR targeting the flaB and the secY genes. For the detection of Seewis virus, lung-derived DNA was tested via RT-PCR targeting the nucleocapsid gene. Altogether, 42 of the 736 small mammals including 27 of 660 bank voles and 11 of 66 shrews, were positive for Leptospira spp., while Sorex spp. (14.7%) showed significantly higher prevalences compared to bank voles (4.1%). Detected Leptospira spp. were pathogenic species other than L. kirschneri. Significantly more Leptospira-positive bank voles were found at H sites than at L sites. Altogether 22.2% of positive bank voles were infected with PUUV. Double infection of PUUV and Leptospira spp. occurrence in bank voles is 1.86 times (OR = 1.86; 95% CI: 0.72-4.73) more likely than infections with each pathogen separately. Leptospira- positive bank voles are focally positively associated with PUUV infection in bank voles and with human hantavirus cases. It should be considered that shrews may serve as Leptospira spp. reservoirs.

Identification of cattle, buffaloes and rodents as reservoir animals of Leptospira in the District of Gampaha, Sri Lanka

BackgroundLeptospirosis is an important emerging infectious disease in Sri Lanka. Rats are the most important reservoir of Leptospira but domestic and wild mammals may also act as important maintenance or accidental hosts. In Sri Lanka, knowledge of reservoir animals of leptospires is poor. The objective of this study was to identify potential reservoir animals of Leptospira in the District of Gampaha, Sri Lanka.FindingsBlood and kidney samples were collected from 38 rodents and mid-stream urine samples were randomly collected from 45 cattle and five buffaloes in the District of Gampaha. Kidney and urine samples were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serum samples were tested by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Of the 38 rodent kidney samples, 11% (4/38) were positive by real-time PCR. The prevalence of leptospiral carriage was 11% (3/26) and 8% (1/12) in female and male rodents, respectively. Three rodent serum samples were positive by MAT. Of the 50 cattle/buffalo urine samples tested, 10% (5/50) were positive by real-time PCR. The prevalence of leptospiral carriage was 9% (4/45) and 20% (1/5) in cattle and buffaloes, respectively.ConclusionResults of PCR and MAT showed that Leptospira were present in a significant proportion of the rodents and farm animals tested in this study and suggest that these (semi-) domestic animals form an infection reservoir for Leptospira. Therefore, there is a potential zoonotic risk to public health, most notably to farmers in this area.

Leptospirosis: An Infectious Emerging Waterborne Zoonosis of Global Significance

Leptospirosis, caused by Leptospira interrogans, is a highly infectious emerging water borne zoonosis of global significance. It is an enigmatic life threatening disease, which results into high morbidity and mortality, particularly in poor resource nations. Disease is endemic in many countries of the world including India. Currently, over one million people are affected with leptospirosis worldwide annually. Leptospirosis presents an occupational hazard of the persons who have direct or indirect contact with the urine of infected animals. The common mode of transmission of the disease is exposure to and ingestion of urine contaminated water. Clinical signs in humans may vary from asymptomatic to severe stage with a range of non-specific symptoms. Rodents are the chief reservoir of Leptospira, and organisms are excreted in urine, thus contaminating the environment including water. Disease is endemic in tropical regions of the world with maximum cases in young male adults during the rainy season. Pollution of city water supply may result in outbreak of disease. Severe epidemics of leptospirosis are related to water recreational activities. The diagnosis of disease is confirmed by detection of serum antibodies against Leptospira and also by isolation of the pathogen from clinical specimens such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid and urine. Early treatment with antibacterial antibiotics may shorten the duration of fever and reduce the severity of the disease. As leptospirosis is attributed to physical contact with contaminated water supplies, environmental detection is important in the development of adequate control measures. There is a need to develop an effective surveillance system to monitor the trends of disease. Sincere attempts should be made to estimate the annual burden of cases and deaths due to leptospirosis. Additional studies on the epidemiology, diagnosis, chemotherapy and vaccines are required to control this life threatening zoonosis.

First report of Leptospira infections in red deer, roe deer, and fallow deer in Poland

Abstract Introduction: Recently in Europe an increase in the population of red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and fallow deer (Dama dama) has been observed. Research on the prevalence of Leptospira infections in Polish cervids has been performed for the first time. Material and Methods: During 2014/2015 hunting season, 147 blood samples from red deer, roe deer, and fallow deer were collected. The animals originated from different geographical regions across Poland. Serum samples were tested by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for the presence of specific antibodies to the following Leptospira serovars: Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa, Sejroe, Tarassovi, Pomona, Canicola, Bratislava, Hardjo, Ballum, Zanoni, Hebdomadis, and Poi. Results: Serum antibody titres specific to Grippotyphosa, Pomona, and Zanoni serovars were found; none of the sera were positive for any of the other serovars. Out of 147 serum samples only 7 were positive, which gave an overall prevalence of 4.8% in the tested animal population. Conclusion: The low Leptospira antibody titres along with the low number of positive serum samples in deer indicate that these animals may not act as significant reservoirs of Leptospira for either humans or animals in Poland.

Human Leptospirosis on Reunion Island, Indian Ocean: Are Rodents the (Only) Ones to Blame?

BackgroundAlthough leptospirosis is a zoonosis of major concern on tropical islands, the molecular epidemiology of the disease aiming at linking human cases to specific animal reservoirs has been rarely explored within these peculiar ecosystems.Methodology/Principal FindingsFive species of wild small mammals (n = 995) as well as domestic animals (n = 101) were screened for Leptospira infection on Reunion Island; positive samples were subsequently genotyped and compared to Leptospira from clinical cases diagnosed in 2012–2013 (n = 66), using MLST analysis. We identified two pathogenic species in human cases, namely Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira borgpetersenii. Leptospira interrogans was by far dominant both in clinical samples (96.6%) and in infected animal samples (95.8%), with Rattus spp and dogs being its exclusive carriers. The genetic diversity within L. interrogans was apparently limited to two sequence types (STs): ST02, identified among most clinical samples and in all rats with complete MLST, and ST34, identified in six humans, but not in rats. Noteworthy, L. interrogans detected in two stray dogs partially matched with ST02 and ST34. Leptospira borgpetersenii was identified in two clinical samples only (3.4%), as well as in cows and mice; four haplotypes were identified, of which two seemingly identical in clinical and animal samples. Leptospira borgpetersenii haplotypes detected in human cases were clearly distinct from the lineage detected so far in the endemic bat species Mormopterus francoismoutoui, thus excluding a role for this volant mammal in the local human epidemiology of the disease.Conclusions/SignificanceOur data confirm rats as a major reservoir of Leptospira on Reunion Island, but also pinpoint a possible role of dogs, cows and mice in the local epidemiology of human leptospirosis. This study shows that a comprehensive molecular characterization of pathogenic Leptospira in both clinical and animal samples helps to gaining insight into leptospirosis epidemiology within a specific environmental setting.

Characterization of Leptospira santarosai Serogroup Grippotyphosa Serovar Bananal Isolated from Capybara ( Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris ) in Brazil.

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Rodents appear to be the most important reservoirs of infection. They contaminate the environment and food and can transmit the pathogen when they are consumed by carnivores. Capybara ( Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris ) are efficient reservoirs of Leptospira, and because they are in close contact with farm animals and are found in semiurban areas, they represent a risk to public health. We isolated five Leptospira strains from capybara kidneys in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, in 2001 and typed them using serologic and molecular techniques. These strains include the Leptospira santarosai serogroup Grippotyphosa serovar Bananal. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis resulted in a unique pattern distinct from the reference strains, and the isolates clustered with greater than 85% similarity. The isolates also presented higher growth rates than other Leptospira serovars, with high minimal inhibitory concentration values for most of the tested antibiotics, with the exception of penicillin and ampicillin. This isolation and characterization of the L. santarosai serogroup Grippotyphosa serovar Bananal from capybara, highlights the importance of wild and sinantropic rodents as carriers of pathogenic leptospires.

Comparison of Mucosal, Subcutaneous and Intraperitoneal Routes of Rat Leptospira Infection.

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis found worldwide that is caused by a spirochete. The main reservoirs of Leptospira, which presents an asymptomatic infection, are wild rodents, including the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). Experimental studies of the mechanisms of its renal colonization in rats have previously used an intraperitoneal inoculation route. However, knowledge of rat-rat transmission requires the use of a natural route of inoculation, such as a mucosal or subcutaneous route. We investigated for the first time the effects of subcutaneous and mucosal inoculation routes compared to the reference intraperitoneal route during Leptospira infection in adult rats. Infection characteristics were studied using Leptospira renal isolation, serology, and molecular and histological analyses. Leptospira infection was asymptomatic using each inoculation route, and caused similar antibody production regardless of renal colonization. The observed renal colonization rates were 8 out of 8 rats, 5 out of 8 rats and 1 out of 8 rats for the intraperitoneal, mucosal and subcutaneous inoculation routes, respectively. Thus, among the natural infection routes studied, mucosal inoculation was more efficient for renal colonization associated with urinary excretion than the subcutaneous route and induced a slower-progressing infection than the intraperitoneal route. These results can facilitate understanding of the infection modalities in rats, unlike the epidemiological studies conducted in wild rats. Future studies of other natural inoculation routes in rat models will increase our knowledge of rat-rat disease transmission and allow the investigation of infection kinetics.

Prevalence and Genotype Allocation of Pathogenic Leptospira Species in Small Mammals from Various Habitat Types in Germany

Small mammals serve as most important reservoirs for Leptospira spp., the causative agents of Leptospirosis, which is one of the most neglected and widespread zoonotic diseases worldwide. The knowledge about Leptospira spp. occurring in small mammals from Germany is scarce. Thus, this study’s objectives were to investigate the occurrence of Leptospira spp. and the inherent sequence types in small mammals from three different study sites: a forest in southern Germany (site B1); a National Park in south-eastern Germany (site B2) and a renaturalised area, in eastern Germany (site S) where small mammals were captured. DNA was extracted from kidneys of small mammals and tested for Leptospira spp. by real-time PCR. Positive samples were further analysed by duplex and conventional PCRs. For 14 positive samples, multi locus sequence typing (MLST) was performed. Altogether, 1213 small mammals were captured: 216 at site B1, 456 at site B2 and 541 at site S belonging to following species: Sorex (S.) araneus, S. coronatus, Apodemus (A.) flavicollis, Myodes glareolus, Microtus (Mi.) arvalis, Crocidura russula, Arvicola terrestris, A. agrarius, Mustela nivalis, Talpa europaea, and Mi. agrestis. DNA of Leptospira spp. was detected in 6% of all small mammals. At site B1, 25 small mammals (11.6%), at site B2, 15 small mammals (3.3%) and at site S, 33 small mammals (6.1%) were positive for Leptospira spp. Overall, 54 of the positive samples were further determined as L. kirschneri, nine as L. interrogans and four as L. borgpetersenii while five real-time PCR-positive samples could not be further determined by conventional PCR. MLST results revealed focal occurrence of L. interrogans and L. kirschneri sequence type (ST) 117 while L. kirschneri ST 110 was present in small mammals at all three sites. Further, this study provides evidence for a particular host association of L. borgpetersenii to mice of the genus Apodemus.

A Two-Year Ecological Study of Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus) in a Brazilian Urban Slum.

The Norway or brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) is among the most ubiquitous of rodents. However, the lack of studies describing Norway rat populations from tropical areas have limited our understanding regarding their demography and seasonal dynamics. In this study, we describe seasonal pattern in the abundance, reproductive parameters, and morphometrics of Norway rat populations in Salvador, Brazil. Rodents were trapped over four seasonal trapping periods (2013–2014) from three valleys. A total of 802 Norway rats were trapped over the course of the study over 7653 trap-nights. Norway rat abundance was high, but there was no significant differences between seasons. The reproductive parameters (e.g. frequency of pregnant and lactating females) did not show statistical differences between seasons. Female rats collected in the rainy season were heavier and older than females from the dry season. Salvador rats had a high incidence of pregnancy and birth rate (estimated birth rate of 79 young per year) compared to previous studies. The information generated is critical for the understanding of the ecology of Norway rat, the main reservoir of Leptospira in Salvador. However, future studies examining the effect of rodent control programs aimed at reducing populations, and determining rates of recovery, will further clarify our understanding of population dynamics.

Genetic variation of Leptospira isolated from rats catched in Yogyakarta Indonesia.

To detect genetic variations among pathogenic Leptospira isolated from rats using 16S rRNA gen as chronometer. This is an observational study with cross sectional design. Rats samples were taken in Yogyakarta Special Region of Indonesia. Leptospira in the rats was detected by two methods i.e. real time PCR (qPCR) by using primers correspond to16S rRNA gene of Leptospira, and standard PCR by using different set of primer correspond to the 16S rRNA gene of Leptospira. The standard PCR amplicon then subjected for DNA sequencing. Analysis genetic variation was performed using MEGA 6.2. Software. There were 99 DNA samples from rats included in this study. Detection of Leptospira by using qPCR revealed 25 samples positive for pathogenic Leptospira, while only 6 samples were able to be detected using standard PCR. The new primer set correspond to 16S rRNA gene was able to detect specifically pathogenic Leptospira in the rats. Sequencing analysis of 6 PCR amplicons showed that the Leptospira which infect the rats catched in Yogyakarta genetically close related with pathogenic Leptospira which were isolated from human, animal, rodents, and environment. It can be considered that rats are the most important vector and reservoir of Leptospira.

SEROLOGICAL EVIDENCE OF LEPTOSPIRA SPP. IN THE LAMI TUCO-TUCO RODENTS (CTENOMYS LAMI)

Although rodents are reportedly the major reservoirs of Leptospira spp. in the wildlife of Brazil, the role of the widely distributed native tuco-tuco rodent ( Ctenomys lami ) has yet to be determined. Accordingly, a total of 40 serum and eight urine samples from wild C. lami were collected from June to September 2008 in the city of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. The serum samples were screened using the Microscopic Agglutination Test against 13 Leptospira spp. pathogenic serovars. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the presence of leptospiral DNA in the urine samples. Five (12.5%) of the serum samples had > 100 antibody titer levels against one or more of the serovars. None of the urine samples yielded a positive PCR amplification; however, all of the source animals were also negative. In conclusion, although C. lami may be exposed to Leptospira spp., infection may be occasional because no detectable leptospiruria was found.

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

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.

Household Characteristics Associated with Rodent Presence and Leptospira Infection in Rural and Urban Communities from Southern Chile

Rodents are well-recognized reservoirs of Leptospira, contributing to its maintenance in endemic areas and playing a role in the public health risk associated with the infection. This study sought to provide some insights into rodent populations from Chile and their Leptospira carriage. In total, 393 rodents were trapped in 177 households. Higher rodent counts were associated with year 2 of the study, rainfall, and number of rodent signs. There was an inverse correlation with the number of cats. The number of rodents was higher in villages compared with slums (rate ratio = 3.23) but modified by average household age. Eighty rodents (20.4%) tested positive for Leptospira: 19.7% on the farms, 25.9% in villages, and 12.3% in the slums. Prevalence was 22.5% in Mus musculus, 20.7% in Rattus rattus, 21.1% in wild rodents, and 10.3% in R. norvegicus. Seasonal and temporal effects were the major determinants of Leptospira infection in rodent populations.

PathogenicLeptospiraspp. in Bats, Madagascar and Union of the Comoros

Pathogenic<i>Leptospira</i>spp. in Bats, Madagascar and Union of the Comoros

Serological investigation and PCR in detection of pathogenic leptospires in snakes

Detection of Leptospira by PCR had not yet been described in snakes. This study investigated, by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and PCR, the presence of antibodies to Leptospira spp. and Leptospira spp., respectively, in venomous and non-venomous wildlife and captivity snakes. All snakes were divided into three groups to be compared: Group 1 (wildlife snakes - WS); Group 2 (snakes in intensive captivity - IC), and Group 3 (collective semi-extensive captivity -CC). Of the 147 snakes studied, 52 (35.4%) were positive for leptospirosis by MAT, 8 (15.4%) belonging to Group 1 (WS), 34 (65.4%) to Group 2 (IC) and 10 (19.2%) to Group 3 (CC). Jararaca (Bothrops jararaca) presented the highest average titer (66.7%, N=22/33) among the three group studied, and Hardjo prajtino was the most prevalent serovar (88.5%, N=46/52), with titers varying from 100 to 3200. Leptospira interrogans was revealed by PCR in kidney and liver of caiçaca (Bothrops moojeni) and jararaca-pintada (Bothrops pauloensis), showing 100% and 93% identity respectively. Future studies should be carried out for better understanding of the role of snakes as a reservoir of Leptospira in nature.