Serovars Of Leptospira Interrogans Research Articles

High Exposure to Livestock Pathogens in Southern Pudu (Pudu puda) from Chile.

A significant gap in exposure data for most livestock and zoonotic pathogens is common for several Latin America deer species. This study examined the seroprevalence against 13 pathogens in 164 wild and captive southern pudu from Chile between 2011 and 2023. Livestock and zoonotic pathogen antibodies were detected in 22 of 109 wild pudus (20.18%; 95% CI: 13.34-29.18) and 17 of 55 captive pudus (30.91%; 95% CI: 19.52-44.96), including five Leptospira interrogans serovars (15.38% and 10.71%), Toxoplasma gondii (8.57% and 37.50%), Chlamydia abortus (3.03% and 12.82%), Neospora caninum (0.00% and 9.52%), and Pestivirus (8.00% and 6.67%). Risk factors were detected for Leptospira spp., showing that fawn pudu have statistically significantly higher risk of positivity than adults. In the case of T. gondii, pudu living in "free-range" have a lower risk of being positive for this parasite. In under-human-care pudu, a Pestivirus outbreak is the most strongly suspected as the cause of abortions in a zoo in the past. This study presents the first evidence of Chlamydia abortus in wildlife in South America and exposure to T. gondii, L. interrogans, and N. caninum in wild ungulate species in Chile. High seroprevalence of livestock pathogens such as Pestivirus and Leptospira Hardjo in wild animals suggests a livestock transmission in Chilean template forest.

Co-Infection by Leptospira montravelensis and Leptospira interrogans Serovar Pomona in Urine Samples of Donkeys and Pigs in Sardinia, Italy.

Saprophytic leptospires are spirochetes enclosed within the non-pathogenic clade of the genus Leptospira, which in turn is subdivided into two subclades S1 and S2. To date, the microorganisms included in these subclades have been isolated from the environment in various parts of the world, and are believed to have no known animal reservoirs. After a case of Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona was notified to the owner of a farm in Sardinia, all of the farm animals (11 pigs and 3 donkeys) were examined for the presence of Leptospira. Sera of all tested animals resulted positive for antibodies to Leptospira using a microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Moreover, nine (82%) kidney samples from pigs and three urine samples collected from donkeys (100%) tested positive for Leptospira DNA after qPCR. Results obtained after MLST analysis and sequencing of rrs, rpoB, and secY genes, performed on six Leptospira strains isolated in culture, revealed the presence of the genomospecies L. interrogans serovar Pomona in the kidney samples. Conversely, whole-genome sequencing combined with mean nucleotide identity revealed the presence of the saprophytic L. montravelensis in the urine samples. Our results report, for the first time, the isolation of a saprophytic species from mammalian urine, suggesting a new ecological specialization for these bacteria, with a possible transition from free-living to a symbiotic lifestyle. Further studies will have to be conducted to understand the evolution of virulence of these bacteria, potential infectivity, and possible public health implications.

Pathogenesis and Genomic Analysis of a Virulent Leptospira Interrogans Serovar Copenhageni Isolated from a Dog with Lethal Infection.

Dogs are highly susceptible to leptospirosis and are a public health concern due to their important role as a source of spreading disease, particularly in urban settings. In this study, we present the pathogenesis, serological characterization, and complete genome sequencing of a virulent Brazilian strain (NEG7) of L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni isolated from the urine of a dog that died due to acute leptospirosis. Clinical investigation showed that the dog was presented with icteric mucous membranes, weakness, dehydration, anorexia, and kidney and liver failures. Necropsy followed by histopathological evaluation revealed lesions compatible with liver and kidney leptospirosis. The leptospires recovered from the urine were further characterized by genome analysis, which confirmed that the isolate belonged to L. interrogans serogroup icterohaemorrhagiae serovar Copenhageni. Multiple bioinformatics tools were used to characterize the genomic features, and comparisons with other available Copenhageni strains were performed. Characterization based on absence of an INDEL in the gene lic12008, associated with phylogenetic and ANI (99.99% identity) analyses, confirmed the genetic relatedness of the isolate with L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni. A better understanding of the diversity of the pathogenic Leptospira isolates could help in identifying genotypes responsible for severe infections. Moreover, it can be used to develop control and prevention strategies for Leptospira serovars associated with particular animal reservoirs.

Leptospira seroprevalence and associated risk factors in healthy Swedish dogs

BackgroundLeptospirosis is an emerging zoonotic infection worldwide and a cause of life-threatening disease in dogs. Seroprevalence in Swedish dogs is unknown. The aims of the present study were to estimate seroprevalence of pathogenic Leptospira in healthy dogs in Sweden using the microagglutination test (MAT) and a rapid point-of-care enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and to evaluate risk factors of Leptospira exposure in Swedish dogs.ResultsPositive MAT titres (≥ 1:50) were detected in 27/369 (7.3%) of included dogs. Five different serovars were represented of which the Saxkoebing serovar was the most common (64.3%), followed by Copenhagi (14.3%), Bratislava (10.7%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (7.1%), and Canicola (3.6%). The ELISA test (SNAP® Lepto) was positive in 3/316 (0.9%) dogs. Living in urban areas and contact with stagnant water were found to be risk factors for Leptospira seropositivity (p < 0.05) in a multivariable logistic regression model.ConclusionIn this first seroprevalence study of Leptospira in Swedish dogs, it was shown that healthy dogs without recent (24 months) travel history and antileptospira vaccination had been exposed to pathogenic Leptospira interrogans serovars. Contact with stagnant water and living in urban areas were independent risk factors for seropositivity.

Structural and functional characterization of Cas2 of CRISPR-Cas subtype I-C lacking the CRISPR component.

The genome of pathogenic Leptospira interrogans serovars (Copenhageni and Lai) are predicted to have CRISPR-Cas of subtypes I-B and I-C. Cas2, one of the core Cas proteins, has a crucial role in adaptive defense against foreign nucleic acids. However, subtype I-C lacks the CRISPR element at its loci essential for RNA-mediated adaptive immunity against foreign nucleic acids. The reason for sustaining the expense of cas genes are unknown in the absence of a CRISPR array. Thus, Cas2C was chosen as a representative Cas protein from two well-studied serovars of Leptospira to address whether it is functional. In this study, the recombinant Cas2C of Leptospira serovars Copenhageni (rLinCas2C, 12 kDa) and Lai (rLinCas2C_Lai, 8.6 kDa) were overexpressed and purified. Due to natural frameshift mutation in the cas2c gene of serovar Lai, rLinCas2C_Lai was overexpressed and purified as a partially translated protein. Nevertheless, the recombinant Cas2C from each serovar exhibited metal-dependent DNase and metal-independent RNase activities. The crystal structure of rLinCas2C obtained at the resolution of 2.60 Å revealed the protein is in apostate conformation and contains N- (1–71 amino acids) and C-terminal (72–90 amino acids) regions, with the former possessing a ferredoxin fold. Substitution of the conserved residues (Tyr7, Asp8, Arg33, and Phe39) with alanine and deletion of Loop L2 resulted in compromised DNase activity. On the other hand, a moderate reduction in RNase activity was evident only in selective rLinCas2C mutants. Overall, in the absence of an array, the observed catalytic activity of Cas2C may be required for biological processes distinct from the CRISPR-Cas-associated function.

Leptospira interrogans Sensu Lato in Wild Small Mammals in Three Moravian Localities of the Czech Republic.

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis, affecting humans, domestic animals and wildlife, with small mammals as a reservoir of this infection. In recent years, this disease has been re-emerging and affects approximately 1 million people all over the world each year. Due to this disease having a significant health impact, it is important to identify the source and method of infection. The risk of Leptospira sp. infection is higher mainly in the cities of developed and industrialised countries. The aim of the study was the detection of antibodies against Leptospira sp. in some wild small mammals captured in the Czech Republic. In total, samples of 855 animals captured in three locations of Moravia during a six-year study (2010–2015) were examined by a microscopic agglutination test, using eight serovars of Leptospira interrogans sensu lato, representing serogroups Grippotyphosa, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Australis, Canicola, Sejroe, Javanica, Pomona and Pyrogenes, as antigens. Antibodies to Leptospira sp. were detected in 6.1% (52/855) of animals, with a prevalence of 6.4% (51/801) and 1.9% (1/54) in rodents and insectivores, respectively. The only statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) was in prevalence between individual species (0–33%), while there were no differences in sex (6.7% in females and 5.1% in males), locality (1.8–8%) and year of trapping (0–8.4%). Only two serovars, L. interrogans serovar Pomona and L. interrogans serovar Grippotyphosa, were detected in 5.5% and 0.5% of animals, respectively. The prevailing serovar of pathogenic L. interrogans s.l. can be identified in a number of infected people in the Czech Republic. The composition of vaccines should be based on the current occurrence of Leptospira serovars in the actual territory. For this reason, the occurrence of Leptospira and its serovars should therefore be regularly monitored.

Transcriptional analysis of CRISPR I-B arrays of Leptospira interrogans serovar Lai and its processing by Cas6.

In the genome of various Leptospira interrogans serovars, the subtype I-B locus of CRISPR-Cas possesses either one or multiple CRISPR arrays. In silico database (CRISPRCasdb) for predicting CRISPR-Cas reveals seven CRISPR arrays in L. interrogans serovar Lai positioned between the two independent cas-operons. Here, we present the redefined repeat-spacer boundaries of the CRISPR subtype I-B locus of serovar Lai. Such refinement of boundaries of arrays in serovar Lai was done after comparison with the characterized array of another serovar Copenhageni and the manual analysis of CRISPR flanking sequences. Using the reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), we account that the seven CRISPR are transcriptionally active in serovar Lai. Our RT-PCR and quantitative real-time PCR analysis of transcripts in serovar Lai indicated that seven CRISPR of subtype I-B transcribe together as a single precursor unit. Moreover, the cleavage of the two miniature pre-crRNA of the subtype I-B by Cas6 demonstrates the biogenesis of the expected size of mature crRNA essential for the guided interference of foreign DNA. This study features insight into transcription direction and the crRNA biogenesis in serovar Lai essential for RNA-mediated interference of invading nucleic acids.

High-level seroprevalence against Leptospira interrogans serovars among wild foxes, jackals and stray dogs in the North Khorasan Province, Iran.

BackgroundLeptospirosis is an important, neglected zoonotic disease that affects people and animals in humid (sub)tropical regions. Wild canines carry the pathogen and may contaminate natural resources which may then act as a source of human infection.ObjectivesThe study was designed to understand the seroprevalence of leptospirosis among domestic and wild canines in Bojnurd County, Northeast Iran.MethodsA total of 77 serum samples, comprising 29 sera from asymptomatic wild canines [foxes (n = 25) and jackals (n = 4)] and 48 sera from asymptomatic stray dogs, was investigated. Serovars were identified and antibody titres were measured by standard microscopic agglutination test (MAT) using serial serum dilutions.ResultsAmong all serum samples, 44.1% reacted positively to a Leptospira interrogans serovars. The average percentage of positive reactions was higher in stray dogs than in wild canines although this did not reach statistical significance (55.2% and 37.5%, p = 0.159). Positive reactions with L. i. Pomona, L. i. Australis and L. i. Tarasovi was detected only among jackals and foxes. Among the stray dogs, the highest number of positive sera were for L. i. Grippotyphosa (61.1%) and L. i. Canicola (50%). The highest titre detected was for L. i. canicola (1:1600) in two stray dogs and against L. i. Icterohaemorrhagiae and L. i. Pomona (1:800) in a single jackal.ConclusionsThe study revealed that leptospirosis is endemic among various canine species in the North Khorasan Province of Iran. Detailed monitoring of canines is necessary for better understanding the epidemiology of infection in our and other Iranian regions.

Review on Leptospirosis and its Public Health Significance

Leptospirosis is the most widespread and most prevalent zoonotic disease caused by Leptospira bacteria this is pathogenic Gramnegative bacteria, the disease leptospirosis a zoonotic disease of global importance. It caused by various serovars of leptospira interrogans that belong to the genus Leptospira. Besides leptospira interrogans is the most serovars like the disease occurs in nearly all mammalian species. The highest burden in low-income both found in urban and in rural environments. Rodents are known as the main reservoir animals, However, all animals are reservoir include human so leptospirosis is more common in the tropical regions rather than subtropics because of the longer survival of the organism in the environment and frequent exposure of animals and humans to contaminated environments. Direct transmission to humans by broken skin and mucous membranes exposed to the urine of infected animals. While the clinical signs of leptospirosis do not vary greatly with the species of animals include laboratory tests. Control and prevention is sanitary measures, vaccination, quarantine and rodent control are the most important control measures of the disease, require elimination of the carrier state, maintenance of environmental condition and immunization of the animal, tropical areas where warm humid conditions and alkaline or neutral soil helps leptospira survive better.

Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith Hexane Crude Extract Caused DNA Damage on Leptospira spp.

Numerous attempts have been made to control leptospirosis by using chemoprophylaxis, but with limited success. The present study was done to investigate the antileptospiral potential of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes. The extracts were assayed for antileptospiral activity using broth microdilution method against Leptospira interrogans (serovar Batavie, Canicola, Australis) and Leptospira biflexa serovar Patoc. The Z. zerumbet hexane extract exhibited antileptospiral activity, with IC50 values of 248 μg/mL against L. interrogans serovar Canicola, IC50 of 125 μg/mL against L. interrogans serovar Australis, IC50 of 15.63 μg/mL against L. interrogans serovar Batavie and IC50 of 109 μg/mL against L. biflexa serovar Patoc. However, both ethyl acetate and methanol extracts did not show any distinct antileptospiral activity. Since the hexane extract of Z. zerumbet showed antileptospiral activity, the DNA-damaging properties of this extract were tested according to their IC50 and IC25 values that were specific to each serovars. The DNA-damaging properties were determined by treating the selected Leptospira spp. with the hexane extract and subjecting its DNA to electrophoresis and analysis on agarose gels. The results demonstrated that the hexane extract had DNA-damaging properties towards L. biflexa serovar Patoc and L. interrogans serovar Australis, as proven by the appearance of fragmented DNA on the gels. We conclude that the Z. zerumbet hexane extract could inhibit the growth of Leptospira spp. serovar Patoc and Australis through DNA-damaging activity and thus, could be a potential antileptospiral agent. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential of this hexane extract as an antileptospiral agent using in vivo rat models of leptospirosis.

Clinical findings in dogs diagnosed with leptospirosis in England.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of worldwide importance. This study describes the clinical findings and outcome of dogs diagnosed with leptospirosis in England. Retrospective review of medical records of dogs diagnosed with leptospirosis from a single referral hospital located in Eastern England. Thirty-eight dogs met the inclusion criteria. Clinical signs included inappetence (76%), vomiting (68%), lethargy (58%), polydipsia and polyuria (18%) and abdominal pain (16%). Disease manifestations included hepatic and renal involvement (47%), hepatic only (37%), renal only (16%); no dogs were found to have respiratory involvement. Clinicopathological findings at presentation included anaemia (42%), thrombocytopenia (43%), increased alanine transaminase activity (ALT) (66%), hyperbilirubinemia (55%), azotaemia (68%), hypoalbuminaemia (49%) and glucosuria (32%). Seven serovars of Leptospira interrogans or Leptospira kirschneri were detected; the most prevalent was Copenhageni (48%). Seventy-one percent survived to discharge. Dogs in the non-surviving group had a higher creatinine at presentation compared to survivors (p = 0.02). Copenhageni was the most prevalent serovar in this population. This supports the use of a vaccine including this serovar, in this region. Renal involvement was associated with reduced survival to discharge. A hepatic only form was common in this population, and leptospirosis should be included as a differential diagnosis for dogs suffering with a hepatopathy. No cases had significant pulmonary involvement, but ongoing clinical vigilance for this disease manifestation is essential.

Development of in-house ELISAs as an alternative method for the serodiagnosis of leptospirosis

BackgroundLeptospirosis is most often diagnosed clinically, and a laboratory test with high diagnostic accuracy is required. MethodsIgM and IgG ELISAs using Leptospira antigens were established and evaluated in relation to the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Antigen preparation consisted of saprophytic Leptospira biflexa to detect genus-specific antibodies (genus-specific ELISA) and a pool of the five most prevalent Leptospira interrogans serovars in Sri Lanka to detect serovar-specific antibodies (serovar-specific ELISA). IgM and IgG immune responses were studied in severe and mild leptospirosis patients (n = 100 in each group). ResultsThe ELISAs showed high repeatability and reproducibility. The serovar-specific IgM-ELISA showed a sensitivity of 80.2% and specificity of 89%; the genus-specific IgM-ELISA showed a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 91%. The serovar- and genus-specific IgG-ELISAs showed sensitivities of 73.3% and 81.7%, respectively, and specificities of 83.3% and 83.3%, respectively. The commercial IgM-ELISA showed a sensitivity of 79.2% and specificity of 93%. The commercial IgG-ELISA showed a sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 96.7%. IgM levels observed in mild and severe leptospirosis patients were significantly higher than in the healthy control group, with mean absorbance values of 0.770, 0.778, and 0.163, respectively. Severe leptospirosis patients had significantly higher mean anti-leptospiral IgG levels compared to both mild leptospirosis patients and healthy control group subjects (0.643, 0.358, and 0.116, respectively; ANOVA, p < 0.001). The presence of anti-leptospiral IgG above an optical density of 0.643 at 1:100 could predict a high risk of severe disease. ConclusionThe serovar-specific in-house ELISA could be used for the laboratory diagnosis of leptospirosis in endemic settings. The high levels of anti-leptospiral IgG observed suggest its value as a predictor of disease severity.

Preliminary Characterization of Dog Derived Pathogenic Strains of Leptospira interrogans Serovar Australis in Nanchang of Jiangxi Province, China.

Leptospirosis is a global zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira, and those infected animals will show a variety of clinical symptoms and even death. The discovery of endemic strains is crucial to produce effective vaccines. In this study, we report that a strain of Leptospira, isolated from a dog, is pathogenic. Using MLST analysis, the serovar of isolated Leptospira was identified and found it belongs to Leptospira interrogation Serovar Australis. Then, the virulence of this strain was researched by using hamsters. After infection, all the hamsters died within 4–5 days. Typical pathological changes were found in the liver, kidney, and lung of hamsters. These results all indicated that the isolated Leptospira was pathogenic. Thus, this study facilitates to identifying local Leptospira strains and develop a more targeted canine Leptospira vaccine.

Exposure of the Gulf of St. Lawrence grey seal Halichoerus grypus population to potentially zoonotic infectious agents.

The population of grey seals Halichoerus grypus in Canadian waters is currently used as a commercial source of meat for human consumption. As with domestic livestock, it is important to understand the occurrence in these seals of infectious agents that may be of public health significance and thus ensure appropriate measures are in place to avoid zoonotic transmission. This study examined the prevalence of antibodies against Brucella spp., Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, 6 serovars of Leptospira interrogans, and Toxoplasma gondii in 59 grey seals and determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the presence of these potentially zoonotic agents in specific organs and tissues of seropositive animals. The presence of encysted Trichinella spp. larvae was also investigated by digestion of tongue, diaphragm and other muscle samples, but none were detected. Seroprevalence against Brucella spp. and E. rhusiopathiae was low (5 and 3%, respectively). All 59 seals tested had antibodies against L. interrogans, but no carrier of this bacterium was detected by PCR. Seroprevalence against T. gondii was 53%, and DNA of this protozoan was detected by PCR in 11/30 (37%) seropositive animals. Standard sanitary measures mandatory for commercialization of meat products for human consumption should greatly reduce the potential for exposure to these infectious agents. However, special consideration should be given to freezing seal meat for at least 3 d to ensure destruction of tissue cysts of T. gondii.

Leptospirosis in slaughtered cows in the Triangulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais: prevalence, serological profile and renal lesions

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis that affects several species of domestic and wild animals and is an important cause of economic losses in cattle in Brazil. In this study, we determined the prevalence of bovine leptospirosis in the Triângulo Mineiro region, Minas Gerais, Brazil, identified the most frequent serovars of Leptospira interrogans, and examine the renal pathological changes associated with the disease. Samples of blood serum and kidney fragments from 100 bovine females were collected in cattle abattoir. In the serological investigation 48% of the cows were positive. The serovars for which there were more reactive animals were Wolffi (24%), Hardjo (21%) and Hebdomadis (18%). Among the positive samples, 14/48 showed antibody titers greater than 1:100, and 70.83% of the seropositive animals responded to more than one Leptospira interrogans serovar. Only one farm did not have seropositive cows and in nine farms studied, six (66.66%) presented seropositive animals to the Hebdomadis serovar. At the histopathological examination, the most frequent microscopic lesions in positive animals were hyalinization (81.25%), congestion (81.25%) and hydropic degeneration (70.83%). However, these histopathological alterations were also found in kidneys of animals negative to serology, such as hyalinization (80.77%), congestion (48.07%) and hydropic degeneration (55.77%) and these findings are unrelated to positivity. Histopathological examination of the kidneys is not indicated to replace the serological diagnosis of leptospirosis, and may be used only as a complementary examination. Despite the low frequency of seropositive animals in the Triângulo Mineiro region, the disease is present in a large number of farms. Noteworthy is the high frequency of serovar Hebdomadis and it can be considered an emerging serovar in the region. The evaluation of the frequency of this serovar in other regions becomes important, and once verified should result in the recommendation of the inclusion of this serovar in the leptospirosis control.

Cloning and sequencing of the ompL37 gene present in Leptospira interrogans, a surface protein in pathogenic leptospires

Leptospirosis, an infection caused by pathogenic leptospires, is associated with insufficient sanitation and poverty. Leptospira is transmitted through contact with contaminated urine of reservoir animals. The primary objective of this study was to clone and sequence the ompL37 gene present in local and vaccine serovars. A total of 16 Leptospira interrogans serovars were cultured in EMJH liquid medium. After growing, genomic DNA was extracted using phenol-chloroform method. Primer pair was synthesized to amplify the 996 bp ompL37 sequence. The amplified ompL37 gene was cloned into pTZ57R/T vector. The sequences obtained from this study were compared with an only recorded sequence in the Genbank by the Meg Align software. PCR products showed an amplified 996bp ompL37 gene product belonging to pathogenic serovars, while no ompL37 products were amplified in non-pathogenic serovars. Sequences comparison tests from 16 native serotypes examined in this study displayed a similarity range of 84% to 99.5% among serovars used. The results showed that two serotypes of L. interrogans including Serjoehardjo (RTCC2810 and RTCC2821) had the highest identity up to 95.5%. Two serovars of L. interrogans including Pomona (RTCC2822) and Icterohaemorrhagiae (RTCC2823) had the lowest identity about 84%. As the results showed, ompL37, present on the surface of such bacteria, showed a conserved sequence. ompL37, as a key role in cell adhesion and pathogenicity, can be used for designing diagnostic tests and vaccines. Furthermore, sequencing of various sites in ompL37 gene, including binding sites and immunogenic epitopes, can be valuable alternatives for future studies.

A canine vaccine against Leptospira serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae, Canicola and Grippotyphosa provides cross protection against Leptospira serovar Copenhageni

Efficacy of the Leptospira components of multivalent vaccine DAPPi-L was previously demonstrated against virulent challenge with three serovars of Leptospira interrogans (Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae and Grippotyphosa) carried out 14 days after primary vaccination.In this study we demonstrate that this vaccine provides, two weeks after vaccination, an additional protection (prevention of mortality, clinical signs, renal infection, bacterial excretion, renal carriage and renal lesions) against fatal leptospirosis due to Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni (serovar of major medical importance).

Determination of the seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. and the main serovars circulating in cattle in the province of Manabí, Ecuador.

Leptospirosis is a transmissible zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic strains of the genus Leptospira. Clinical signs in cattle are fever, haematuria, haemoglobinuria, meningitis, abortion, birth of weak calves and infertility; in the most severe cases, it can cause death to the animal. The few studies conducted in Ecuador, and in particular the province of Manabí, have revealed varying prevalence rates, ranging from 35.8% to 75%. The objective of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in cattle and to ascertain the main serovars circulating in the province of Manabí. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted from November 2015 to March 2016, for which seven cantons were selected at random and a total of 854 animals from 67 herds were investigated. The samples were processed in the laboratories of the Animal Diagnostics Directorate of the Ecuadorian Agency for Agriculture Quality Assurance (AGROCALIDAD) in Tumbaco, using the microscopic agglutination test. The sera were analysed to check whether they contained any of the eight serovars of Leptospira interrogans circulating most frequently in the country: Canicola, Hardjo, Pomona, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa, Wolffi, Bratislava and Copenhageni. Overall seroprevalence at herd level was 97.01%, with the most common serovars being Pomona, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa, Bratislava and Canicola. It was concluded that there is high seroprevalence at herd level in the province of Manabí.

SEROLOGIC SURVEY FOR SELECTED VIRAL AND BACTERIAL SWINE PATHOGENS IN COLOMBIAN COLLARED PECCARIES ( PECARI TAJACU) AND FERAL PIGS ( SUS SCROFA).

In South America, wild populations of peccaries coexist with domestic and feral pigs, with poorly understood consequences. We captured 58 collared peccaries ( Pecari tajacu) and 15 feral pigs ( Sus scrofa) in locations of Colombia where coexistence of these species is known. Blood samples were tested for antibodies against four viral agents, classical swine fever virus (CSFV), Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV), porcine circovirus (PCV-2), and vesicular stomatitis virus (New Jersey and Indiana subtypes) and two bacterial agents, Brucella spp. and six serovars of Leptospira interrogans. The prevalence of CSFV was 5% (3/58) in collared peccaries and 7% (1/15) in feral pigs. The prevalence of PCV-2 was 7% (1/15) in collared peccaries and 67% (2/3) in feral pigs. Vesicular stomatitis prevalence was 33% (8/24) in collared peccaries and 67% (4/6) in feral pigs. Leptospira prevalence was 78% (39/50) in collared peccary and 100% (8/8) in feral pigs; bratislava, grippotyphosa, icterohaemorrhagiae, and pomona were the most frequent serovars. Also, the only white-lipped peccary ( Tayassu pecari) sampled was positive for L. interrogans serovar bratislava and for vesicular stomatitis virus, New Jersey strain. No samples were positive for ADV or Brucella. The seroprevalence of antibodies against L. interrogans was similar to that observed in other studies. Icterohaemorrhagiae appears to be a common serovar among in situ and ex situ peccary populations. Positive antibodies against PVC-2 represent a novel report of exposure to this pathogen in Colombian peccaries. Our results indicate the possible transmission of various pathogens, important for pig farms, in the studied pig and peccaries.

Anti-leptospiral potential of Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith crude extracts against Leptospira spp.

Event Abstract Back to Event Anti-leptospiral potential of Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith crude extracts against Leptospira spp. Asmah Hamid1*, Nurul A. Abdul Aziz1, Latifah Ibrahim2, Farah W. Ibrahim1 and Nurul F. Jufri1 1 School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Malaysia 2 Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health (Malasiya), Malaysia Background Leptospirosis is one of the emerging infectious diseases that the number of cases had been increasing progressively in Malaysia. Numerous attempts have been made to control the disease by using chemoprophylaxis but only showed limited success. The present study investigated the anti-leptospiral potential of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Zingiber zerumbet. Methods The extracts were assayed for anti-leptospiral activity using broth microdilution method towards Leptospira interrogans (serovar Batavie, Canicola, Australis) and Leptospira biflexa serovar Patoc. The DNA damaging properties of Z. zerumbet on DNA of Leptospira sp. was assessed by incubating the DNA of Leptospira sp. in the presence or absence of Z. zerumbet crude extracts and subsequently analyzed by electrophoresis. Results The anti-leptospiral activity of Z. zerumbet hexane extracts showed an IC₅₀ value of 248 μg/ml towards L. interrogans serovar Canicola, IC₅₀ value 125 μg/ml towards L. interrogans serovar Australis, IC₂₅ value 15.63 μg/ml towards L. interrogans serovar Batavie and IC₅₀ value 109 μg/ml towards L. biflexa serovar Patoc. However, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts exhibited a weak/mild anti-leptospiral activity. Since the hexane extract of Z. zerumbet displayed strong anti-leptospiral activity, the DNA damaging properties of this extract was tested at their IC₅₀ and IC25 values that were specific to each serovars. The result showed that hexane extract do not possess DNA damaging properties towards L. interrogans serovar Canicola and Bataviae as there was no smearing or fragmentation of DNA band. For L. biflexa serovar Patoc and L. interrogans serovar Australis there were DNA damage which was evidenced by the appearance of fragmented DNA on agarose gel. Conclusion The present study showed that Z. zerumbet hexane extract has the potential to inhibit the growth of Leptospira spp. by damaging the bacterial DNA. Keywords: Anti-leptospiral, Zingiber zerumbet, Leptospira, DNA Damage, extract Conference: International Conference on Drug Discovery and Translational Medicine 2018 (ICDDTM '18) “Seizing Opportunities and Addressing Challenges of Precision Medicine”, Putrajaya, Malaysia, 3 Dec - 5 Feb, 2019. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Infectious diseases Citation: Hamid A, Abdul Aziz NA, Ibrahim L, Ibrahim FW and Jufri NF (2019). Anti-leptospiral potential of Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith crude extracts against Leptospira spp.. Front. Pharmacol. Conference Abstract: International Conference on Drug Discovery and Translational Medicine 2018 (ICDDTM '18) “Seizing Opportunities and Addressing Challenges of Precision Medicine”. doi: 10.3389/conf.fphar.2018.63.00117 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 30 Sep 2018; Published Online: 17 Jan 2019. * Correspondence: Dr. Asmah Hamid, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, asmah0901@ukm.edu.my Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Asmah Hamid Nurul A Abdul Aziz Latifah Ibrahim Farah W Ibrahim Nurul F Jufri Google Asmah Hamid Nurul A Abdul Aziz Latifah Ibrahim Farah W Ibrahim Nurul F Jufri Google Scholar Asmah Hamid Nurul A Abdul Aziz Latifah Ibrahim Farah W Ibrahim Nurul F Jufri PubMed Asmah Hamid Nurul A Abdul Aziz Latifah Ibrahim Farah W Ibrahim Nurul F Jufri Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.