1
|
Gajdov V, Jokic G, Savic S, Zekic M, Blazic T, Rajkovic M, Petrovic T. Genotyping of Leptospira spp. in wild rats leads to first time detection of L. kirshneri serovar Mozdok in Serbia. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1379021. [PMID: 38605707 PMCID: PMC11006980 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1379021] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and molecular characterization of Leptospira species in Belgrade, Serbia, an area where this disease is underexplored. Specifically, the study sought to employ molecular and multilocus sequence typing analyses to fill the gap in understanding the diversity and distribution of Leptospira species within the region. Methods A comprehensive molecular analysis was conducted on kidney samples obtained from Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) in the urban environment. The study utilized molecular diagnostic techniques including real-time PCR targeting the lipL32 gene and performing sequence-based typing schemes utilizing adk, icdA, lipL32, lipL41, rrs2, and secY genes. These methodologies were applied to ascertain the presence and characterize different Leptospira species and serovars, respectively. Results The findings revealed the presence of two Leptospira species and three separate serovars in the Belgrade area. This study identified the presence of L. kirschneri serovar Mozdok in Serbia for the first time, a significant discovery previously undocumented in the region. This pioneering investigation sheds light on the molecular diversity and prevalence of Leptospira species in Serbia. Discussion The study underscores the importance of employing molecular typing methods to gain insights into the epidemiology and characterization of Leptospira species. These findings significantly contribute to both local and global perspectives on leptospirosis epidemiology, providing vital insights for the development of effective control strategies and interventions. Summary In our recent study, we explored the presence and performed molecular typing of the Leptospira species, the bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, in wild rats in Serbia. This was the first time such a study was conducted in the region. Leptospirosis is a serious disease that affects both animals and humans, often transmitted through contact with water contaminated by infected animals. Our focus was on understanding which types of Leptospira were present in these animals. Excitingly, we discovered a particular strain of Leptospira, known as L. kirshneri serovar Mozdok, for the first time in Serbia. This finding is significant because it sheds light on the presence and spread of different Leptospira serovars in Serbia. It also raises awareness about the potential health risks associated with this serovar, which was previously unknown in the area. Our work fits into a broader context of disease surveillance and public health. By identifying the types of Leptospira present in a specific region, we can better understand the risks to public health and take steps to prevent and control the spread of leptospirosis. This discovery is not just important for scientists studying infectious diseases; it has real implications for public health officials, veterinarians, and anyone concerned with preventing and treating leptospirosis. Our findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring of Leptospira in wildlife and synanthropic fauna, to protect both animal and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Gajdov
- Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Goran Jokic
- Laboratory for Applied Zoology, Institute of Pesticides and Environmental Protection, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sara Savic
- Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Marina Zekic
- Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Tanja Blazic
- Laboratory for Applied Zoology, Institute of Pesticides and Environmental Protection, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Rajkovic
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology and Stem Cells, Institute for Medical Research, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tamas Petrovic
- Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, Novi Sad, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Benvin I, Perko VM, Maljković MM, Habuš J, Štritof Z, Hađina S, Perharić M, Zečević I, Cvetnić M, Turk N. Serological surveillance of equine leptospirosis in Croatia in the period from 2012 to 2022 - a key insight into the changing epizootiology. J Equine Vet Sci 2023:104844. [PMID: 37295759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is re-emerging zoonotic bacterial disease of global importance that affects domestic and wild animals and humans. Due to the public health importance, control of disease in Croatia is being implemented by monitoring the seroprevalence of equine leptospirosis and it is regulated by the law. In the period from 2012 to 2022, a total of 61724 serum samples from apparently healthy horses were admitted to the Laboratory for leptospires, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb. Serum samples were tested for Leptospira spp. antibodies using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Samples were considered seropositive with a cut-off titre 1:200 for Bratislava and 1:400 for other Leptospira spp. serovars. Out of 61724 serum samples tested, 6665 (10.80%) were found seropositive for at least one Leptospira serovar. In the studied period, seroprevalence varied between 5.00% and 15.94%. The highest seroprevalence was found for serovar Pomona (41.98%) and serovar Grippotyphosa (31.34%), followed by Sejroe (8.03%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (7.05%) and Bratislava (6.47%). Results indicated that horses in Croatia are particularly exposed to Leptospira spp. infections. The most prevalent presumed infective serovar was Pomona increasing each year. Investigated horses were randomly selected and healthy and most seropositive horses have anamnestic titre due to previous infection. This is the first study in Europe reporting such high seropositivity for the serovar Pomona in apparently healthy horses. According to the results of the present study, the question arises of the possible evolutionary adaptation of the pathogenic serovar Pomona as dominant for horses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iva Benvin
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Vesna Mojčec Perko
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Maurić Maljković
- Department of Animal Breeding and Livestock Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josipa Habuš
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zrinka Štritof
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Suzana Hađina
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matko Perharić
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Iva Zečević
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marija Cvetnić
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nenad Turk
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Haring V, Jacob J, Walther B, Trost M, Stubbe M, Mertens-Scholz K, Melzer F, Scuda N, Gentil M, Sixl W, Schäfer T, Stanko M, Wolf R, Pfeffer M, Ulrich RG, Obiegala A. White-Toothed Shrews (Genus Crocidura): Potential Reservoirs for Zoonotic Leptospira spp. and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens? Pathogens 2023; 12:781. [PMID: 37375471 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060781] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Three species of white-toothed shrews of the order Eulipotyphla are present in central Europe: the bicolored (Crocidura leucodon), greater (Crocidura russula) and lesser (Crocidura suaveolens) white-toothed shrews. Their precise distribution in Germany is ill-defined and little is known about them as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens (Leptospira spp., Coxiella burnetii, Brucella spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Bartonella spp.). We investigated 372 Crocidura spp. from Germany (n = 341), Austria (n = 18), Luxembourg (n = 2) and Slovakia (n = 11). West European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) were added to compare the presence of pathogens in co-occurring insectivores. Crocidura russula were distributed mainly in western and C. suaveolens mainly in north-eastern Germany. Crocidura leucodon occurred in overlapping ranges with the other shrews. Leptospira spp. DNA was detected in 28/227 C. russula and 2/78 C. leucodon samples. Further characterization revealed that Leptospira kirschneri had a sequence type (ST) 100. Neoehrlichia mikurensis DNA was detected in spleen tissue from 2/213 C. russula samples. Hedgehogs carried DNA from L. kirschneri (ST 100), L. interrogans (ST 24), A. phagocytophilum and two Bartonella species. This study improves the knowledge of the current distribution of Crocidura shrews and identifies C. russula as carrier of Leptospira kirschneri. However, shrews seem to play little-to-no role in the circulation of the arthropod-borne pathogens investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viola Haring
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Jens Jacob
- Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics, Rodent Research, Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Toppheideweg 88, 48161 Münster, Germany
| | - Bernd Walther
- Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics, Rodent Research, Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Toppheideweg 88, 48161 Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Trost
- Dezernat Artenschutz, Staatliche Vogelschutzwarte und CITES, Landesamt für Umweltschutz Sachsen-Anhalt, Reideburger Straße 47, 06116 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Stubbe
- Zentralmagazin Naturwissenschaftlicher Sammlungen, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Domplatz 4, 06108 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Katja Mertens-Scholz
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Falk Melzer
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Nelly Scuda
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Eggenreuther Weg 43, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michaela Gentil
- Laboklin GmbH & Co.KG, Steubenstrasse 4, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - Wolfdieter Sixl
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Tanja Schäfer
- Wildtierhilfe Schäfer e.V., Waldstraße 275, 63071 Offenbach, Germany
| | - Michal Stanko
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 04001 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ronny Wolf
- Institute of Biology, Molecular Evolution and Systematics of Animals, University of Leipzig, Talstraße 33, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 41-43, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rainer G Ulrich
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 41-43, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mišić-Majerus L, Kišek TC, Ružić-Sabljić E. Leptospirosis and characterization of Leptospira isolates from patients in Koprivnica-Križevci County, Croatia from 2000-2004. Access Microbiol 2023; 5:acmi000431. [PMID: 37223056 PMCID: PMC10202403 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000431] [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: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Leptospirosis, caused by spirochetes of the genus Leptospira , is present in the Koprivnica-Križevci County area, Croatia. Clinical manifestation can range from asymptomatic, short-term mild, non-specific febrile disease, to severe forms with high mortality rates. Aim The aim of the study was to valuate culture in front of microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for diagnosis of infection, and to evaluate clinical and laboratory features of the disease. Moreover, we want to characterize Leptospira strains involved in infection in Koprivnica-Križevci County, Croatia. Methods We included 68 patients with clinical presentation consistent with leptospirosis collected in a 5-year period (2000-2004). Clinical samples (blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid, CSF) were inoculated in Kolthoff's medium; species of isolated Leptospira strains was determined with Tm of real-time PCR, serogroup/serovar with MAT and NotI-RFLP analysis. Demonstration of specific antibodies in patients' sera was done using microscopic agglutination test. Results Leptospira was isolated from the blood of 14/51(27.5 %) patients and the most often identified serogroup/serovar was Icterohaemorrhagiae (8/10, 80%) followed by Grippotyphosa (10%). Regarding to species level, 8/10 isolated belonged to L. interrogans sensu stricto and one to L. kirschneri species. MAT was carried out on 51 patients with suspected leptospirosis, and was positive in 11/51(21.5 %) patients. Most of our patients presented with moderate severe symptoms, were hospitalized from August to October, and were infected mainly during the work or recreation in our county. The frequency of particular clinical features and pathological laboratory findings correlated with the severity of the clinical condition. Conclusions Leptospirosis can be confirmed microbiologically, culture and MAT contributed almost equally to the diagnosis of infection. Serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae was found as the dominant one, and L. interrogans sensu stricto as dominant species in our county. Epidemiological data shown that leptospirosis occurs seasonally, affects the rural population, and most commonly is presented with moderate severe clinical course.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ljiljana Mišić-Majerus
- Department of Infectious Diseases, General Hospital "Dr. Tomislav Bardek", Željka Selingera 1, Koprivnica, Croatia
| | - Tjaša Cerar Kišek
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Ružić-Sabljić
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mazzotta E, Bellinati L, Bertasio C, Boniotti MB, Lucchese L, Ceglie L, Martignago F, Leopardi S, Natale A. Synanthropic and Wild Animals as Sentinels of Zoonotic Agents: A Study of Leptospira Genotypes Circulating in Northeastern Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3783. [PMID: 36900793 PMCID: PMC10000914 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease widely reported in veterinary practice and a worldwide zoonosis. In Northeastern Italy, different serogroups and genotypes of Leptospira have been described in ill dogs, the most commonly detected being Icterohaemorragiae (ICT) ST 17, Australis (AUS) ST 24 and ST 198, Pomona (POM) ST 117 and ST 289, and Sejroe (SEJ) ST 155. However, there is little information available on the environmental exposure to Leptospira of wild and synanthropic animals. The aim of this study was to identify the circulating genotypes in potential reservoirs to fill this gap of knowledge. Between 2015 and 2022, 681 animal carcasses collected by the Public Veterinary Service were analyzed for Leptospira with a real-time PCR-based screening test, while positive samples were genotyped by multi-locus sequence typing analysis. To carry out our study, we tested 330 hedgehogs, 105 red foxes, 108 Norway rats, 79 mice, 22 coypus, 10 bank voles, 13 grey wolves, 5 common shrews and 9 greater mouse-eared bats. Five sequence types (STs) common in dogs were also found in wild animals: ST 24, ST 198, ST 17 and ST 155 in hedgehogs, ST 17 and ST 24 in foxes, ST 17 in rats, ST 17 and ST 155 in mice, and ST 117 in a wolf. In addition, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first Italian report of SEJ ST 197 in a bank vole. Furthermore, this study described a previous survey conducted in 2009 on coypus (30 animals from the province of Trento and 41 from the province of Padua), referring to a serological positivity (L. Bratislava) without any molecular detection of Leptospira. This study on Leptospira in synanthropic and wild animals highlighted the importance of increasing our epidemiological knowledge of leptospirosis and its zoonotic risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mazzotta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Laura Bellinati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Cristina Bertasio
- National Reference Centre for Animal Leptospirosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Beatrice Boniotti
- National Reference Centre for Animal Leptospirosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Lucchese
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Letizia Ceglie
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Leopardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Alda Natale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Environmental Exposure of Wild Carnivores to Zoonotic Pathogens: Leptospira Infection in the First Free Living Wolf ( Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) Found Dead in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052512. [PMID: 33802554 PMCID: PMC7967383 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a worldwide-spread zoonosis causing disease and death in dogs and in humans. A Leptospiral infection has been recorded in several wild carnivore species in Europe, but tissue pathological changes were not commonly described. The Grey wolf (Canis lupus) has been expanding its distribution range in north-eastern Italy during the last decade. A young wolf, representing the first individual handled in the region, was found road-killed and then submitted to necropsy. Pathological changes included erosive lesions of gingival mucosa, mild liver enlargement, and multifocal degenerative-necrotic areas along with hyperemic reactive lesions; multifocal interstitial nephritis and multifocal lung hemorrhages were observed. A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) able to detect pathogenic species of Leptospira performed on a kidney sample was positive. Serological reactions for serogroup Gryppotyphosa (1:6400), Pomona (1:800), and Icterohaemorrhagiae (1:200) were evidenced by MAT. Genotyping by Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) performed on detected Leptospira characterized it as belonging to Sequence Type (ST) 117, which refers to L. kirschneri, serogroup Pomona, serovar Mozdok. Regardless of the role of Leptospira infection as an eventual predisposing factor to the road killing of this wolf, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of Leptospira-induced pathology in a wolf in Europe. Surveys on Leptospira infection in free-ranging wildlife species should be pursued in order to achieve further epidemiological knowledge on the circulation of the Leptospira strain.
Collapse
|
7
|
Karim AJ, Abbas ZM. Histopathology of the kidney and seroprevalence of leptospirosis in wild rats in Baghdad Province, Iraq. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ONE HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.14202/ijoh.2021.19-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Leptospirosis, caused by pathogenic leptospires, is a globally emerging infectious disease affecting both humans and animals, which act as reservoirs, with large outbreaks worldwide. The role of rats in dispersing leptospirosis was never investigated in Iraq. Because of the seriousness of the disease and the scarce data regarding this disease in Iraq, this study determines the incidence of leptospirosis in rats and its renal histopathological profile.
Materials and Methods: Of 211 captured rats, 82 apparently healthy rats were included in this study. After euthanatizing, 3-5-ml blood was collected by cardiac puncture. Approximately 0.5 cm3 of the kidney was collected for routine histopathology and stained using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Warthin–Starry (WS) stains. Blood smears were prepared and stained with the WS stain.
Results: All rats (100%) with different age groups were immunoglobulin G (IgG)-positive, and 90.24% of them had the IgG against leptospiral antigens in kidney tissues. The juvenile age group had higher IgG levels than other age groups. Considering sex, no significant differences in the overall results were observed. Serum concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine showed significant increments in the sub-adult and adult IgG- positive groups compared with the IgG-negative groups. No significant alterations were observed in the juvenile group. Using WS stains, 13 and 1 blood smears and 0 and 8 kidney tissues were positive for leptospires in the sub-adult and adult groups, respectively. Microscopical findings of the renal cortex and medulla in the sub-adult IgG-positive group showed hemorrhage, glomerular deterioration, tubular cell degeneration and necrosis with cast formation, periarterial edema, and focal hemorrhage with congestion of peritubular arteries. The adult IgG-positive group revealed deterioration similar to that in the sub-adult group and tended to be chronic. No leptospires were observed using H&E staining.
Conclusion: IgG-positive carrier rats refer to previously exposed or infected rats. Understanding the risk of transmitting the disease to human and animals through a carrier rat's urine is highly predicted and possible mitigation of zoonotic transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdulkarim Jafar Karim
- Unit of Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Zainab Majid Abbas
- Department of Pathological Analysis, Babylon Technical Institute, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Babylon, Iraq
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Detection of New Leptospira Genotypes Infecting Symptomatic Dogs: Is a New Vaccine Formulation Needed? Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9060484. [PMID: 32570803 PMCID: PMC7350335 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9060484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis in dogs has been largely described worldwide, and epidemiological studies have been mainly based on serological data. This study aims to detect and genotype leptospires affecting symptomatic dogs in Northeast Italy between 2013 and 2019. Overall, 1631 dogs were tested using real-time PCR, and leptospires from 193 dogs were subjected to Multilocus Sequence Typing and a Multiple Loci Variable-number Tandem Repeat Analysis. Leptospires were successfully isolated from 15 symptomatic dogs. Six distinct Sequence Types (STs) were found for 135 leptospires, with 3 STs characterizing Leptospira interrogans (ST17, ST198 and ST24), 2 STs characterizing Leptospira kirschneri (ST117 and ST289) and 1 ST characterizing Leptospira borgpetersenii (ST155), revealing the circulation of the serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae, Australis, Sejroe and Pomona. The Multiple Loci Variable-number Tandem Repeat Analysis of 17 samples did not result in any additional discrimination. Genotypes were compared with those of strains present in the historical internal database, and possible transmission chains were identified from rat, mouse, hedgehog and pig. This work highlights the importance of molecular methods in revealing and identifying circulating Leptospira strains, and it also encourages the evaluation of the ability of commercially available vaccines to reduce the disease burden among dogs.
Collapse
|
9
|
Bertasio C, Papetti A, Scaltriti E, Tagliabue S, D’Incau M, Boniotti MB. Serological Survey and Molecular Typing Reveal New Leptospira Serogroup Pomona Strains among Pigs of Northern Italy. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9050332. [PMID: 32365494 PMCID: PMC7281294 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9050332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Swine act as both maintenance and incidental hosts of pathogenic Leptospira spp. Here, a serological test was performed on 131,660 pig sera collected between 2002 and 2017 from 4715 farms in Northern Italy. A positivity rate of 13.05% was determined. Australis was the most frequently identified serogroup (77.29%), followed by Pomona (18.47%), Tarassovi (1.51%) and Icterohaemorrhagie (1.40%). Culture isolation and real-time Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were carried out on 347 kidneys and 470 clinical samples, respectively. Overall, 133 strains were cultured successfully and 43 randomly chosen isolates were identified as serogroup Pomona. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) revealed that 41 isolates and 8 DNA extracted from biological samples belonged to sequence type 140. Using a multiple-locus, variable-number tandem repeat analysis, 43 samples produced identical profiles but, after 2014, three new Leptospira interrogans serogroup Pomona genotypes were observed. Interestingly, two isolates showed new MLST profiles and an unclassified identification by monoclonal antibodies. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing clustered them into L. kirschneri species and a core genome MLST analysis revealed an allelic identity of 96% compared with Mozdok strains. Genotyping allowed us to discriminate leptospires and to identify new emerging strains. The accurate identification of infective strains is required for formulating preventive methods and intervention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Bertasio
- National Reference Centre for Animal Leptospirosis (NRCL), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’ Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, via Bianchi 7/9, 25121 Brescia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +030-22-90-309
| | - Alice Papetti
- National Reference Centre for Animal Leptospirosis (NRCL), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’ Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, via Bianchi 7/9, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Erika Scaltriti
- Risk Analysis and Genomic Epidemiology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’ Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, Strada dei Mercati 13/a, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Tagliabue
- National Reference Centre for Animal Leptospirosis (NRCL), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’ Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, via Bianchi 7/9, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Mario D’Incau
- National Reference Centre for Animal Leptospirosis (NRCL), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’ Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, via Bianchi 7/9, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Beatrice Boniotti
- National Reference Centre for Animal Leptospirosis (NRCL), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’ Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, via Bianchi 7/9, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ferreira AS, Ahmed A, Rocha T, Vieira ML, Paiva-Cardoso MDN, Mesquita JR, van der Linden H, Goris M, Thompson G, Hartskeerl RA, Inácio J. Genetic diversity of pathogenic leptospires from wild, domestic and captive host species in Portugal. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 67:852-864. [PMID: 31677243 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution with a significant veterinary and public health impact. It is caused by pathogenic bacteria of the genus Leptospira. The availability of effective tools to accurately identify and type leptospires is of utmost importance for the diagnosis of the disease and for assessing its epidemiology. Several multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) approaches were described for the typing of worldwide isolates of Leptospira but an extensive agreement towards the adoption of a unique consensus scheme for this agent is still lacking. Most genotyped strains originate from Asian and South American countries, with a minority originating from Europe (being most countries represented only by one or a few isolates). The knowledge of the diversity of circulating leptospires is the key to understanding the disease transmission and its zoonotic implications. In this study, we revisited the taxonomy of several isolates of pathogenic Leptospira obtained from domestic, wild and captive animals in Portugal, between 1990 and 2012. A selection of these isolates was genotyped using two previously published MLST schemes. A total of seven distinct sequence types (STs) were detected among the Portuguese isolates with two STs representing L. borgpetersenii (ST149 and ST152), two STs representing L. kirschneri (ST117 and ST100) and three STs representing L. interrogans (ST17, ST24 and ST140). Global widespread (and maybe more virulent) Leptospira genotypes seem to circulate in Portugal, particularly the L. interrogans ST17 isolates which are associated with several outbreaks of leptospirosis among humans and animals in different regions of the world. This study contributes to the enrichment of the global MLST databases with a new set of allele and sequence type information also providing novel data on circulating Leptospira serovars in Portugal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana S Ferreira
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Oporto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ahmed Ahmed
- OIE and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Academic Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Teresa Rocha
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Unidade Estratégica de Produção e Saúde Animal, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Maria L Vieira
- Unidade de Microbiologia Médica, Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria das Neves Paiva-Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Sciences (CITAB)/Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Hans van der Linden
- OIE and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Academic Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marga Goris
- OIE and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Academic Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gertrude Thompson
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Rudy A Hartskeerl
- OIE and National Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis, Academic Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - João Inácio
- Unidade de Microbiologia Médica, Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal.,School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Prompiram P, Poltep K, Sangkaew N. Antibody reaction of leptospirosis in asymptomatic feral boars, Thailand. Vet World 2019; 12:1884-1887. [PMID: 32009771 PMCID: PMC6925046 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.1884-1887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to determine the proportion of exposure to leptospirosis and evaluate the degree of serovar antibody reaction in feral boars. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 58 sera obtained from feral boars in Khao Prathab Chang Wildlife Breeding Center, Ratchaburi, Thailand, were screened for leptospirosis exposure by microscopic agglutination test, conducted with a reference panel of 23 pathogenic serovars and a non-pathogenic serovar. RESULTS Overall exposure rate of 62.07% was found in the studied population. An antibody reaction presented in 18 of 24 leptospiral serovars. Among the seropositive, Ballum serovar showed predominant exposure in the feral boar population. CONCLUSION The results show a relatively high exposure to leptospirosis and the predominant serovar was Ballum followed by Canicola, the first finding in feral boars in Thailand. It has been revealed that feral boars act as a natural reservoir host of leptospirosis. There should be more concern about public health problems in leptospirosis arising where feral boars appear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phirom Prompiram
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, 999 Phuttamonthon 4 Rd., Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Kanaporn Poltep
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, 999 Phuttamonthon 4 Rd., Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Nongluck Sangkaew
- Veterinary Research and Development Center Lower Northern Region, 9 Moo15 Phitsanulok-Lomsak Rd., Wangthong, Phitsanulok 65130, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Marquez A, Khalil RA, Fourel I, Ovarbury T, Pinot A, Rosine A, Thalmensi G, Jaffory G, Kodjo A, Benoit E, Lattard V. Resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides in Martinique could lead to inefficient rodent control in a context of endemic leptospirosis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13491. [PMID: 31530819 PMCID: PMC6749056 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49661-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a re-emergent worldwide zoonosis. It is endemic in Martinique where transmission conditions are favourable. Humans are usually infected through contact with water contaminated with urine of rodents. Recent human leptospirosis outbreaks in Martinique require today effective rodent management to prevent leptospirosis transmission. Nowadays, use of anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) is the main method implemented to control rodent populations. Nevertheless, intensive use of these AR has selected worldwide many VKORC1-based resistant rodent strains to AR. Our aim was to characterize the sensitivity of Martinique commensal rodents to AR to better prevent leptospirosis transmission. Resistance of house mice to first-generation and in rare cases even to second-generation ARs were clearly demonstrated in Martinique with the detection of the Y139C mutation with a very high allelic frequency of 40% and the A26T/Y139C double-mutation with an allelic frequency of 0.9%. In black rat, the most prevalent rodent in Martinique, 3 new Vkorc1 coding mutations were detected, the H68N, A115T and S149N mutations associated with moderate resistance to first generation AR. Therefore, rodent management in Martinique must be carried carefully to avoid resistance diffusion and maintain long-term effective rodent management, to be able to efficiently prevent leptospirosis transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Marquez
- USC 1233 RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Univ Lyon, F-69280, Marcy l'étoile, France
| | - Rami Abi Khalil
- USC 1233 RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Univ Lyon, F-69280, Marcy l'étoile, France
| | - Isabelle Fourel
- USC 1233 RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Univ Lyon, F-69280, Marcy l'étoile, France
| | - Teddy Ovarbury
- FREDON Martinique, Route du Lycée agricole, Chemin Tolobe, Croix Rivail, 97224, Ducos, Martinique
| | - Adrien Pinot
- UMR 0874 UREP, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Univ Clermont, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Armand Rosine
- FREDON Martinique, Route du Lycée agricole, Chemin Tolobe, Croix Rivail, 97224, Ducos, Martinique
| | - Gérard Thalmensi
- ARS Martinique, Centre d'affaires AGORA, Zac de l'Etang Z'abricot, Pointe des grives, CS 80 656, 97263, Fort de France Cedex, Martinique
| | - Georges Jaffory
- ARS Martinique, Centre d'affaires AGORA, Zac de l'Etang Z'abricot, Pointe des grives, CS 80 656, 97263, Fort de France Cedex, Martinique
| | - Angeli Kodjo
- USC 1233 RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Univ Lyon, F-69280, Marcy l'étoile, France
| | - Etienne Benoit
- USC 1233 RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Univ Lyon, F-69280, Marcy l'étoile, France
| | - Virginie Lattard
- USC 1233 RS2GP, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Univ Lyon, F-69280, Marcy l'étoile, France.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Blagojević J, Šekler M, Rajičić M, Pejić B, Budinski I, Jovanović VM, Adnađević T, Vidanović D, Matović K, Vujošević M. The prevalence of pathogenic forms of Leptospira in natural populations of small wild mammals in Serbia. Acta Vet Hung 2019; 67:338-346. [PMID: 31549550 DOI: 10.1556/004.2019.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The greatest epidemiological significance of leptospirosis in Europe comes from the fact that it is the most widespread zoonosis in the world. However, epizootiological data, especially information on maintenance hosts such as small wild mammals, are largely missing. To fill this gap in data in Serbia, we used RT-PCR for the detection of pathogenic Leptospira species and analysed 107 animals belonging to six species of small wild mammals (Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus flavicollis, Microtus arvalis, Myodes glareolus, Microtus subterraneus and Sorex araneus) collected from two localities. The animals from the first locality that was situated in a tourist area, were collected for four consecutive years (2014-2017). We found persistent incidence of infection from year to year ranging from 6.67% to 78.57%. The average frequency of infected animals was 33.3% with the highest frequency in 2014, the year characterised by a very high number of flooding days. All animals proved to be infected with pathogenic Leptospira species that were collected from the second locality situated in an agricultural area in a single year, 2014. The findings show a variable but constant presence of pathogenic Leptospira species in populations of small wild mammals in the studied areas, which indicates the need for constant monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Blagojević
- 1 University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research ‘Siniša Stanković’, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, Belgrade 11060, Serbia
| | - Milanko Šekler
- 2 Veterinary Specialized Institute ‘Kraljevo’, Kraljevo, Serbia
| | - Marija Rajičić
- 1 University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research ‘Siniša Stanković’, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, Belgrade 11060, Serbia
| | - Branka Pejić
- 1 University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research ‘Siniša Stanković’, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, Belgrade 11060, Serbia
| | - Ivana Budinski
- 1 University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research ‘Siniša Stanković’, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, Belgrade 11060, Serbia
| | - Vladimir M. Jovanović
- 1 University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research ‘Siniša Stanković’, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, Belgrade 11060, Serbia
| | - Tanja Adnađević
- 1 University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research ‘Siniša Stanković’, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, Belgrade 11060, Serbia
| | - Dejan Vidanović
- 2 Veterinary Specialized Institute ‘Kraljevo’, Kraljevo, Serbia
| | - Kazimir Matović
- 2 Veterinary Specialized Institute ‘Kraljevo’, Kraljevo, Serbia
| | - Mladen Vujošević
- 1 University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research ‘Siniša Stanković’, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, Belgrade 11060, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
House Mice as a Real Sanitary Threat of Human and Animal Leptospirosis: Proposal for Integrated Management. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:3794876. [PMID: 31341897 PMCID: PMC6612401 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3794876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a reemerging zoonosis and ranges in severity from benign to sometimes fatal. In cattle, infection may be responsible for abortion and infertility cases causing economic losses. Humans may be contaminated through direct contact with urine of infected animals or indirectly though interaction with urine-contaminated environment. Many wildlife species living close to cattle, especially commensal rodents may play a role in the transmission of leptospires. Because little is known on the epidemiology of nonmaintenance Leptospira serovars, appropriate management is still limited. On a French farm where human and cattle leptospirosis were detected, the transmission cycle was explored to propose appropriate mitigation measures. For that, commensal rodents present on the farm were trapped and their leptospires carriage was studied by molecular methods. Trapped mice were shown to carry two pathogenic Leptospira species (L. interrogans and L. kirschneri). Since these 2 serogroups were simultaneously detected in the trapped mice and in the cows of this farm, we suspected an initial Leptospira transmission from mice to cows requiring an effective management of mice on this farm. Because resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides due to Vkorc1 mutations has been largely described in rodents and first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides seemed to be inefficient in controlling mice on this farm, susceptibility of these mice to anticoagulants has been characterized by Vkorc1 sequencing. 50% of the trapped mice carried mutations in the Vkorc1 gene leading to severe resistance to first-generation anticoagulants. The management of such mice that are a real sanitary threat can be achieved only by using the most toxic second-generation anticoagulants or nonanticoagulant solutions.
Collapse
|
15
|
Markovych O, Tymchyk V, Kolesnikova I. Leptospirosis in Zakarpattia Oblast (2005-2015). Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 19:333-340. [PMID: 30835637 PMCID: PMC6486664 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Leptospirosis occurs sporadically and as outbreaks throughout Ukraine and is a nationally reportable disease. Zakarpattia oblast, in the southwestern region of the country, is endemic for disease. This study examines changes in epidemic patterns from 2005 to 2015. Materials and Methods: Suspected cases from health care services were identified based on clinical presentation and serological samples were collected. Patient sera were tested by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) against serovars of Leptospira spp. belonging to 13 serogroups. Small mammals were also collected, sampled, and tested near locations of suspected exposures. Changes in leptospirosis incidence in Zakarpattia oblast were characterized over an 11-year period. Results: A total of 420/2079 possible human cases were identified as having leptospirosis and 401/420 were confirmed by MAT. There was no annual trend in prevalence. Incidence increased from 2005 to 2009, peaked in 2010 (6.24 cases/100,000), and by 2015, there were only sporadic cases (0.88/100,000). The predominant serogroups were Icterohaemorrhagiae, Hebdomadis, and Grippotyphosa of Leptospira spp. The dominant serogroups shifted during the study from predominantly Icterohaemorrhagiae to Grippotyphosa in later years. A total of 2820 small mammals were assayed for Leptospira spp. Apodemus agrarius, Rattus norvegicus, and Mus musculus were the most common species sampled (76.1% of all captures). Among small mammals, antibodies were found mostly for Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pomona, and Grippotyphosa serogroups, and were detected in 276 samples (9.79% ± 0.56%). The dominant serogroups of Leptospira spp. isolated from mammals and patients changed cyclically, but the common human serogroups tended to differ from that seen in the concurrent mammal populations. Conclusions: Patients with leptospirosis in this endemic region decreased more than fivefold during the past decade. Leptospira infections in small mammals remained common across multiple species ranging from 5% to 14%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Markovych
- 1 Laboratory of Especially Dangerous Infections, Department of Biological Factors Studies, Zakarpattia Oblast Laboratory Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Uzhhorod, Ukraine
| | - Victoria Tymchyk
- 2 Department of Epidemiological Surveillance and Prevention of Infectious Diseases, Zakarpattia Oblast Laboratory Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Uzhhorod, Ukraine
| | - Iryna Kolesnikova
- 3 Epidemiology Department, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Żmudzki J, Arent Z, Jabłoński A, Nowak A, Zębek S, Stolarek A, Bocian Ł, Brzana A, Pejsak Z. Seroprevalence of 12 serovars of pathogenic Leptospira in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Poland. Acta Vet Scand 2018; 60:34. [PMID: 29855374 PMCID: PMC5984377 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-018-0388-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospira spp. infect humans and a wide range of domestic and wild animals, but certain species such as small rodents and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) play a particular role as reservoirs and transmission of leptospirosis as they easily adapt to many habitats including human environments. To investigate the significance of red foxes in the epidemiology of leptospirosis in Poland, a seroprevalence survey was conducted. During the 2014-2015 hunting season, blood samples of 2134 red foxes originating from the central-eastern part of Poland were collected. Serum samples were tested by a microscopic agglutination test for the presence of specific antibodies to Leptospira serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa, Sejroe, Tarassovi, Pomona, Canicola, Hardjo, Ballum, Australis, Bataviae, Saxkoebing and Poi. RESULTS Antibodies to at least one serovar were detected in 561 sera (26.3%). The highest seroprevalence was found in the Subcarpathia (41.6%) and Warmia-Masuria (40.3%) provinces. Antibodies were mainly directed against serovars Poi (12.4%), Saxkoebing (11.3%), and Sejroe (6.0%). CONCLUSIONS Exposure of red foxes to certain Leptospira serovars seems to be common in central and eastern Poland. In addition, the high prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. in foxes may indicate a potential risk of infection for humans and other species coming into contact with these animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Żmudzki
- Swine Diseases Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Arent
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine UJ-UR, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Artur Jabłoński
- Swine Diseases Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Nowak
- Swine Diseases Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Sylwia Zębek
- Swine Diseases Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Stolarek
- Epidemiology and Risk Assessment Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Łukasz Bocian
- Epidemiology and Risk Assessment Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Adam Brzana
- Veterinary Hygiene Research Station, Wroclawska 170, 45-836 Opole, Poland
| | - Zygmunt Pejsak
- Swine Diseases Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Serological survey on Leptospira infection in slaughtered swine in North-Central Italy. Epidemiol Infect 2018; 146:1275-1280. [PMID: 29843827 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268818001358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Swine can act as asymptomatic carriers of some Leptospira serovars. In this study, 1194 sera from 61 farms located in five different Regions of North-West Italy were collected from slaughtered healthy pigs. Presence of antibody against four Leptospira serovars was evaluated. Overall, 52.5% of analysed farms presented at least one positive animal and 34.4% presented at least one positive swine with titre ⩾1:400. A percentage of 16.6% sera was positive and 5.9% samples presented a positive titre ⩾1:400. Tuscany and Lombardy showed the highest percentage of positive farms (64.3% and 54.6%, respectively) and sera (28.5% and 13.3%, respectively), probably due to environmental conditions and potential risk factors, which promote maintenance and spreading of Leptospira in these areas. The main represented serogroups were Australis (21.3% positive farms, 8.2% positive sera) and Pomona (18.0% positive farms, 8.1% positive sera). In swine, these serogroups are the most detected worldwide; however, our results seem to highlight a reemerging of serogroup Pomona in pigs in investigated areas. A low percentage of sera (0.6%) scored positive to Canicola, leaving an open question on the role of pigs in the epidemiology of this serovar. Higher antibody titres were detected for serogroups Australis and Pomona. Swine leptospirosis is probably underestimated in Italy and could represent a potential risk for animal and human health.
Collapse
|
18
|
Kurucz K, Madai M, Bali D, Hederics D, Horváth G, Kemenesi G, Jakab F. Parallel Survey of Two Widespread Renal Syndrome-Causing Zoonoses:Leptospiraspp. andHantavirusin Urban Environment, Hungary. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:200-205. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kornélia Kurucz
- Virological Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Mónika Madai
- Virological Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dominika Bali
- Virological Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dávid Hederics
- Virological Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Győző Horváth
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Kemenesi
- Virological Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Jakab
- Virological Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mišić-Majerus L, Habuš J, Štritof Z, Bujić N, Mađarić V, Kolaric-Sviben G, Vince S, Peršić Z, Turk N. Epidemiological and clinical features of leptospirosis in a highly endemic area over three time periods. Trop Med Int Health 2017; 22:1405-1413. [PMID: 28857412 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To present the features of human leptospirosis over three time periods (1970-1975; 2000-2005; 2010-2015), to compare the collected data and to determine whether the incidence, seasonal and spatial distribution, prevalence of presumptive infective serogroups and clinical features have changed over the last 50 years. METHODS Epidemiological and clinical data obtained from patients hospitalised and treated in a well-known endemic focus of leptospirosis, Koprivnica-Križevci County in Croatia, were analysed. RESULTS We observed a steady decline in the overall incidence of leptospirosis and a change in the patient age distribution, with the age ratio changing in favour of middle-aged and older patients. Although leptospirosis was most frequently diagnosed in August in all time periods, the number of cases increased in autumn. The most prevalent serogroup during the first and the second time period was Icterohaemorrhagiae, while in the third time period, the serogroup Australis prevailed. We also noted an increase in the number of severe clinical manifestations. CONCLUSIONS This retrospective research demonstrates a continuous decline in the incidence of human leptospirosis in Croatia. The pattern of disease has changed from predominantly mild clinical forms observed in children to more severe clinical forms observed in middle-aged to older patients, especially those working in agriculture. Additional epidemiological changes included an increase in the number of cases during the autumn months and changes in prevailing serogroups. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between the severity of the clinical picture, patient age and presumed sources of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ljiljana Mišić-Majerus
- Division of Infectious Diseases Dr. Tomislav Bardek General Hospital, Koprivnica, Croatia
| | - Josipa Habuš
- National Reference Laboratory for Leptospirosis, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zrinka Štritof
- National Reference Laboratory for Leptospirosis, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nevenka Bujić
- Division of Infectious Diseases Dr. Tomislav Bardek General Hospital, Koprivnica, Croatia
| | - Vesna Mađarić
- Division of Infectious Diseases Dr. Tomislav Bardek General Hospital, Koprivnica, Croatia
| | - Gordana Kolaric-Sviben
- Division of Infectious Diseases Dr. Tomislav Bardek General Hospital, Koprivnica, Croatia
| | - Silvijo Vince
- Reproduction and Obstetric Clinic, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zdenka Peršić
- Croatian National Reference Laboratory for Human Leptospirosis, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nenad Turk
- National Reference Laboratory for Leptospirosis, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Arent Z, Gilmore C, Barlow AM, Smith L, Ellis WA. Leptospira interrogans
serogroup Pomona infections in the UK: is there a real threat for farm animals? Vet Rec 2017; 180:424. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.103891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Z. Arent
- OIE Leptospira Reference Laboratory, Veterinary Sciences Division; Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute; Stoney Road, Stormont Belfast BT4 3SD UK
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine UJ-UR, University of Agriculture in Krakow; Al. Mickiewicza 24/28, Krakow 30-059 Poland
| | - C. Gilmore
- OIE Leptospira Reference Laboratory, Veterinary Sciences Division; Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute; Stoney Road, Stormont Belfast BT4 3SD UK
| | - A. M. Barlow
- APHA-Starcross VI Centre; Staplake Mount, Starcross Exeter Devon EX6 8PE UK
- Formerly AHVLA Langford; Langford House, Langford Somerset BS40 5DX UK
| | - L. Smith
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA); Woodham Lane, New Haw Surrey KT15 3NB UK
| | - W. A. Ellis
- OIE Leptospira Reference Laboratory, Veterinary Sciences Division; Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute; Stoney Road, Stormont Belfast BT4 3SD UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
New trends in human and animal leptospirosis in Croatia, 2009-2014. Acta Trop 2017; 168:1-8. [PMID: 28063871 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a geographically widespread and globally underestimated zoonosis that affects humans and variety of animals. To identify trends and possible risk factors, joined medical and veterinary teams investigated epidemiology and epizootiology of leptospirosis in Croatia. Retrospective analysis of data obtained from referent diagnostic laboratories included a total of 1917 human and 123964 animal sera tested in the period from 2009 to 2014. We found high human leptospirosis average incidence rate of 1.53/100000 with clear predominance of male patients older than 40 years (sex ratio M/F:3.2; median age 51±15.1years). Statistical analysis revealed seasonal and annual variations of incidence in humans that were primarily associated with favourable weather conditions (temperature 10-19, 9°C and precipitation above 100mm/m2). Majority of infections in humans were caused by serogroups Sejroe, Australis and Icterohaemorrhagiae. Notable variations in seroprevalence and changing trends in prevailing serogroups were recorded in most of the domestic animals and during the entire period of investigation. All of the observed findings underline leptospirosis as a significant human and veterinary public health threat and emphasize the importance of continuous multidisciplinary surveillance. We also argue that only input from both professions improves our overall knowledge on leptospirosis and leads to better and more efficient prevention and control strategies.
Collapse
|
22
|
Arent ZJ, Gilmore C, San-Miguel Ayanz JM, Neyra LQ, García-Peña FJ. Molecular Epidemiology of Leptospira Serogroup Pomona Infections Among Wild and Domestic Animals in Spain. ECOHEALTH 2017; 14:48-57. [PMID: 28213654 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-017-1210-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Strains of Leptospira serogroup Pomona are known to cause widespread animal infections in many parts of the world. Forty-three isolates retrieved from domestic animals and wild small mammals suggest that serogroup Pomona is epidemiologically relevant in Spain. This is supported by the high prevalence of serovar Pomona antibodies in livestock and wild animals. In this study, the strains were serologically and genetically characterized in an attempt to elucidate their epidemiology. Serological typing was based on the microscopic agglutination test but molecular typing involved species-specific polymerase chain reaction, restriction endonuclease analysis, and multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis. The study revealed that the infections are caused by two serovars, namely Pomona and Mozdok. Serovar Pomona was derived only from farm animals and may be adapted to pigs, which are recognized as the maintenance host. The results demonstrated that serovar Pomona is genetically heterogeneous and three different types were recognized. This heterogeneity was correlated with different geographical distributions of the isolates. All strains derived from small wild mammals were identified as serovar Mozdok. Some isolates of this serovar retrieved from cattle confirm that this serovar may also be the cause of infections in food-producing animals for which these wild species may be source of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z J Arent
- OIE Leptospira Reference Laboratory, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Sciences Division, Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3SD, UK.
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-AUK, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Kraków, Poland.
| | - C Gilmore
- OIE Leptospira Reference Laboratory, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Sciences Division, Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3SD, UK
| | | | - L Quevedo Neyra
- ADS JANDAVET, Calle Paterna, Local 4, 11170, Medina Sidonia (Cádiz), Spain
| | - F J García-Peña
- Bacteriology Department 2, Laboratorio Central de Veterinaria de Algete (MAGRAMA), 28110, Algete, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Moreno LZ, Kremer FS, Miraglia F, Loureiro AP, Eslabao MR, Dellagostin OA, Lilenbaum W, Moreno AM. Comparative genomic analysis of Brazilian Leptospira kirschneri serogroup Pomona serovar Mozdok. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2016; 111:539-41. [PMID: 27581124 PMCID: PMC4981118 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760160174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospira kirschneri is one of the pathogenic species of the Leptospira genus. Human and animal infection from L. kirschneri gained further attention over the last few decades. Here we present the isolation and characterisation of Brazilian L. kirschneri serogroup Pomona serovar Mozdok strain M36/05 and the comparative genomic analysis with Brazilian human strain 61H. The M36/05 strain caused pulmonary hemorrhagic lesions in the hamster model, showing high virulence. The studied genomes presented high symmetrical identity and the in silico multilocus sequence typing analysis resulted in a new allelic profile (ST101) that so far has only been associated with the Brazilian L. kirschneri serogroup Pomona serovar Mozdok strains. Considering the environmental conditions and high genomic similarity observed between strains, we suggest the existence of a Brazilian L. kirschneri serogroup Pomona serovar Mozdok lineage that could represent a high public health risk; further studies are necessary to confirm the lineage significance and distribution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Z Moreno
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Laboratório de Epidemiologia Molecular e Resistência a Antimicrobianos, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Frederico S Kremer
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Fabiana Miraglia
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - Ana P Loureiro
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - Marcus R Eslabao
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Odir A Dellagostin
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Walter Lilenbaum
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - Andrea M Moreno
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Laboratório de Epidemiologia Molecular e Resistência a Antimicrobianos, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
da Cunha CEP, Felix SR, Neto ACPS, Campello-Felix A, Kremer FS, Monte LG, Amaral MG, de Oliveira Nobre M, da Silva ÉF, Hartleben CP, McBride AJA, Dellagostin OA. Infection with Leptospira kirschneri Serovar Mozdok: First Report from the Southern Hemisphere. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 94:519-21. [PMID: 26755566 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a global zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. In this study, we characterized two Leptospira kirschneri serogroup Pomona serovar Mozdok isolates, one obtained from a dog and the other from a patient with severe leptospirosis, 4 years later. Histopathological analysis showed that both isolates caused severe tissue damage when used to infect hamsters. While L. kirschneri serogroup Pomona serovar Mozdok is endemic in animals in Europe, there is only one report of human leptospirosis in the literature. Although strains belonging to L. kirschneri serogroup Pomona have been identified in cases of human leptospirosis in Europe, serovar Mozdok has not yet been implicated. The 4-year interval between isolations and the fact that this is the first report of serovar Mozdok as the causative agent of human leptospirosis in the southern hemisphere, demonstrates its epidemiological importance to public health. Moreover, the presence of serovar Mozdok in Brazil has the potential to affect vaccine and diagnostic test development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Eduardo Pouey da Cunha
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Samuel Rodrigues Felix
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Amilton Clair Pinto Seixas Neto
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Anelize Campello-Felix
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Frederico Schmitt Kremer
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Garcia Monte
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Marta Gonçalves Amaral
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Márcia de Oliveira Nobre
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Éverton Fagonde da Silva
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Pinho Hartleben
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Alan John Alexander McBride
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Odir Antonio Dellagostin
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Tadin A, Tokarz R, Markotić A, Margaletić J, Turk N, Habuš J, Svoboda P, Vucelja M, Desai A, Jain K, Lipkin WI. Molecular Survey of Zoonotic Agents in Rodents and Other Small Mammals in Croatia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015; 94:466-73. [PMID: 26711522 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Croatia is a focus for many rodent-borne zoonosis. Here, we report a survey of 242 rodents and small mammals, including 43 Myodes glareolus, 131 Apodemus flavicollis, 53 Apodemus agrarius, three Apodemus sylvaticus, six Sorex araneus, four Microtus arvalis, one Microtus agrestis, and one Muscardinus avellanarius, collected at eight sites in Croatia over an 8-year period. Multiplex MassTag polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for detection of Borrelia, Rickettsia, Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Francisella tularensis, and Coxiella burnetii. Individual PCR assays were used for detection of Leptospira, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, orthopoxviruses, flaviviruses, hantaviruses, and Toxoplasma gondii. Of the rodents, 52 (21.5%) were infected with Leptospira, 9 (3.7%) with Borrelia miyamotoi, 5 (2%) with Borrelia afzelii, 29 (12.0%) with Bartonella, 8 (3.3%) with Babesia microti, 2 (0.8%) with Ehrlichia, 4 (1.7%) with Anaplasma, 2 (0.8%) with F. tularensis, 43 (17.8%) with hantaviruses, and 1 (0.4%) with an orthopoxvirus. Other agents were not detected. Multiple infections were found in 32 rodents (13.2%): dual infections in 26 rodents (10.7%), triple infections in four rodents (2.9%), and quadruple infections in two rodents (0.8%). Our findings indicate that rodents in Croatia harbor a wide range of bacteria and viruses that are pathogenic to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ante Tadin
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević," Zagreb, Croatia; Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York; Faculty of Forestry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Rafal Tokarz
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević," Zagreb, Croatia; Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York; Faculty of Forestry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alemka Markotić
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević," Zagreb, Croatia; Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York; Faculty of Forestry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josip Margaletić
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević," Zagreb, Croatia; Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York; Faculty of Forestry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nenad Turk
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević," Zagreb, Croatia; Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York; Faculty of Forestry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josipa Habuš
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević," Zagreb, Croatia; Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York; Faculty of Forestry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Petra Svoboda
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević," Zagreb, Croatia; Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York; Faculty of Forestry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Vucelja
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević," Zagreb, Croatia; Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York; Faculty of Forestry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Aaloki Desai
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević," Zagreb, Croatia; Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York; Faculty of Forestry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Komal Jain
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević," Zagreb, Croatia; Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York; Faculty of Forestry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - W Ian Lipkin
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević," Zagreb, Croatia; Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York; Faculty of Forestry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|