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Sykes JE, Francey T, Schuller S, Stoddard RA, Cowgill LD, Moore GE. Updated ACVIM consensus statement on leptospirosis in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:1966-1982. [PMID: 37861061 PMCID: PMC10658540 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Since publication of the last consensus statement on leptospirosis in dogs, there has been revision of leptospiral taxonomy and advancements in typing methods, widespread use of new diagnostic tests and vaccines, and improved understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of the disease. Leptospirosis continues to be prevalent in dogs, including in small breed dogs from urban areas, puppies as young as 11 weeks of age, geriatric dogs, dogs in rural areas, and dogs that have been inadequately vaccinated for leptospirosis (including dogs vaccinated with 2-serovar Leptospira vaccines in some regions). In 2021, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Board of Regents voted to approve the topic for a revised Consensus Statement. After identification of core panelists, a multidisciplinary group of 6 experts from the fields of veterinary medicine, human medicine, and public health was assembled to vote on the recommendations using the Delphi method. A draft was presented at the 2023 ACVIM Forum, and a written draft posted on the ACVIM website for comment by the membership before submission to the editors of the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. This revised document provides guidance for veterinary practitioners on disease in dogs as well as cats. The level of agreement among the 12 voting members (including core panelists) is provided in association with each recommendation. A denominator lower than 12 reflects abstention of ≥1 panelists either because they considered the recommendation to be outside their scope of expertise or because there was a perceived conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E. Sykes
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologyUniversity of California, DavisDavisCalifornia95616USA
| | - Thierry Francey
- Department of Clinical Veterinary ScienceVetsuisse Faculty, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Simone Schuller
- Department of Clinical Veterinary ScienceVetsuisse Faculty, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Robyn A. Stoddard
- Bacterial Special Pathogens BranchCenters for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgia30333USA
| | - Larry D Cowgill
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologyUniversity of California, DavisDavisCalifornia95616USA
| | - George E. Moore
- Department of Veterinary AdministrationPurdue UniversityWest Lafayette, Indiana 47907USA
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Nisa S, Vallee E, Marshall J, Collins-Emerson J, Yeung P, Prinsen G, Douwes J, Baker MG, Wright J, Quin T, Holdaway M, Wilkinson DA, Fayaz A, Littlejohn S, Benschop J. Leptospirosis in Aotearoa New Zealand: Protocol for a Nationwide Case-Control Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e47900. [PMID: 37289491 DOI: 10.2196/47900] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Aotearoa New Zealand, 90% of patients with notified leptospirosis (a zoonotic bacterial disease) have been men working in agricultural industries. However, since 2008, the epidemiology of notified cases has been gradually changing, that is, more women are affected; there are more cases associated with occupations traditionally not considered high risk in New Zealand; infecting serovars have changed; and many patients experience symptoms long after infection. We hypothesized that there is a shift in leptospirosis transmission patterns with substantial burden on affected patients and their families. OBJECTIVE In this paper, we aimed to describe the protocols used to conduct a nationwide case-control study to update leptospirosis risk factors and follow-up studies to assess the burden and sources of leptospirosis in New Zealand. METHODS This study used a mixed methods approach, comprising a case-control study and 4 substudies that involved cases only. Cases were recruited nationwide, and controls were frequency matched by sex and rurality. All participants were administered a case-control questionnaire (study 1), with cases being interviewed again at least 6 months after the initial survey (study 2). A subset of cases from two high-risk populations, that is, farmers and abattoir workers, were further engaged in a semistructured interview (study 3). Some cases with regular animal exposure had their in-contact animals (livestock for blood and urine and wildlife for kidney) and environment (soil, mud, and water) sampled (study 4). Patients from selected health clinics suspected of leptospirosis also had blood and urine samples collected (study 5). In studies 4 and 5, blood samples were tested using the microscopic agglutination test to test for antibody titers against Leptospira serovars Hardjo type bovis, Ballum, Tarassovi, Pomona, and Copenhageni. Blood, urine, and environmental samples were also tested for pathogenic Leptospira DNA using polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Participants were recruited between July 22, 2019, and January 31, 2022, and data collection for the study has concluded. In total, 95 cases (July 25, 2019, to April 13, 2022) and 300 controls (October 19, 2019, to January 26, 2022) were interviewed for the case-control study; 91 cases participated in the follow-up interviews (July 9, 2020, to October 25, 2022); 13 cases participated in the semistructured interviews (January 26, 2021, to January 19, 2022); and 4 cases had their in-contact animals and environments sampled (October 28, 2020, and July 29, 2021). Data analysis for study 3 has concluded and 2 manuscripts have been drafted for review. Results of the other studies are being analyzed and the specific results of each study will be published as individual manuscripts.. CONCLUSIONS The methods used in this study may provide a basis for future epidemiological studies of infectious diseases. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/47900.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahista Nisa
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Emilie Vallee
- EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan Marshall
- School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Julie Collins-Emerson
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Polly Yeung
- School of Social Work, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Gerard Prinsen
- School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jeroen Douwes
- Research Centre for Hauora and Health, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Michael G Baker
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jackie Wright
- Enteric and Leptospira Reference Laboratory, Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Tanya Quin
- Goodfellow Unit, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Maureen Holdaway
- College of Health, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - David A Wilkinson
- Unité Mixte de Recherche, Animal, Santé, Territoires, Risques et Ecosystèmes, Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement, Institut national de la recherche agronomique, University of Montpellier, Plateforme Technologique Cyclotron Réunion Océan Indien, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Ahmed Fayaz
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Stuart Littlejohn
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jackie Benschop
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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3
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Moinet M, Wilkinson DA, Aberdein D, Russell JC, Vallée E, Collins-Emerson JM, Heuer C, Benschop J. Of Mice, Cattle, and Men: A Review of the Eco-Epidemiology of Leptospira borgpetersenii Serovar Ballum. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6040189. [PMID: 34698305 PMCID: PMC8544700 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6040189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In New Zealand (NZ), leptospirosis is a mostly occupational zoonosis, with >66% of the recently notified cases being farm or abattoir workers. Livestock species independently maintain Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo and L. interrogans serovar Pomona, and both are included in livestock vaccines. The increasing importance in human cases of Ballum, a serovar associated with wildlife, suggests that wildlife may be an overlooked source of infection. Livestock could also act as bridge hosts for humans. Drawing from disease ecology frameworks, we chose five barriers to include in this review based on the hypothesis that cattle act as bridge hosts for Ballum. Using a narrative methodology, we collated published studies pertaining to (a) the distribution and abundance of potential wild maintenance hosts of Ballum, (b) the infection dynamics (prevalence and pathogenesis) in those same hosts, (c) Ballum shedding and survival in the environment, (d) the exposure and competency of cattle as a potential bridge host, and (e) exposure for humans as a target host of Ballum. Mice (Mus musculus), rats (Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus) and hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) were suspected as maintenance hosts of Ballum in NZ in studies conducted in the 1970s–1980s. These introduced species are distributed throughout NZ, and are present on pastures. The role of other wildlife in Ballum (and more broadly Leptospira) transmission remains poorly defined, and has not been thoroughly investigated in NZ. The experimental and natural Ballum infection of cattle suggest a low pathogenicity and the possibility of shedding. The seroprevalence in cattle appears higher in recent serosurveys (3 to 14%) compared with studies from the 1970s (0 to 3%). This review identifies gaps in the knowledge of Ballum, and highlights cattle as a potential spillover host. Further studies are required to ascertain the role that wild and domestic species may play in the eco-epidemiology of Ballum in order to understand its survival in the environment, and to inform control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Moinet
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (D.A.W.); (D.A.); (E.V.); (J.M.C.-E.); (C.H.); (J.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - David A. Wilkinson
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (D.A.W.); (D.A.); (E.V.); (J.M.C.-E.); (C.H.); (J.B.)
- New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Hopkirk Research Institute, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Danielle Aberdein
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (D.A.W.); (D.A.); (E.V.); (J.M.C.-E.); (C.H.); (J.B.)
| | - James C. Russell
- Department of Statistics, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand;
| | - Emilie Vallée
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (D.A.W.); (D.A.); (E.V.); (J.M.C.-E.); (C.H.); (J.B.)
| | - Julie M. Collins-Emerson
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (D.A.W.); (D.A.); (E.V.); (J.M.C.-E.); (C.H.); (J.B.)
| | - Cord Heuer
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (D.A.W.); (D.A.); (E.V.); (J.M.C.-E.); (C.H.); (J.B.)
| | - Jackie Benschop
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (D.A.W.); (D.A.); (E.V.); (J.M.C.-E.); (C.H.); (J.B.)
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Moreno-Torres A, Malvido-Jiménez IR, de la Peña-Moctezuma A, Castillo Sánchez LO, Fraga TR, Barbosa AS, Isaac L, Sahagún-Ruiz A. Culture-attenuated pathogenic Leptospira lose the ability to survive to complement-mediated-killing due to lower expression of factor H binding proteins. Microbes Infect 2019; 21:377-385. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Guagliardo SAJ, Iverson SA, Reynolds L, Yaglom H, Venkat H, Galloway R, Levy C, Reindel A, Sylvester T, Kretschmer M, LaFerla Jenni M, Woodward P, Beatty N, Artus A, Klein R, Sunenshine R, Schafer IJ. Despite high-risk exposures, no evidence of zoonotic transmission during a canine outbreak of leptospirosis. Zoonoses Public Health 2019; 66:223-231. [PMID: 30618076 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12557] [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: 07/29/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis that affects many mammals, including humans and dogs; dogs can transmit the bacteria to humans, but the frequency of transmission and highest risk exposures are poorly understood. During 2016-2017, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Arizona Department of Health Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigated the zoonotic potential of a canine leptospirosis outbreak in the Phoenix metro area. We identified symptomatic persons exposed to canine leptospirosis cases by conducting active and passive surveillance. We tested dog owners (n = 9) and animal care providers (n = 109) for serological evidence of Leptospira spp. infection (via the microscopic agglutination test [MAT]) and interviewed these persons about their specific exposures to canine cases and general exposures to canine blood and urine. Through surveillance, seven symptomatic persons were identified; six were tested and all were negative by MAT, and of these six, four persons were negative by PCR (two did not have PCR testing). All serosurvey participants (n = 118) were also seronegative. Among animal care providers, bare skin contact with urine/blood from a canine case was reported by 23.2%; two persons reported dog urine splashing in their face. Veterinary technicians were more likely to have bare skin contact with blood from a canine case compared to veterinarians and boarding facility staff (p < 0.001). Infection control practices were inconsistent; when working with specimens from a canine leptospirosis case, 44.6% of participants reported always wearing gloves when working with urine (i.e., collecting specimens), and 54.5% always wore gloves when working with blood. Veterinary technicians were also most likely to engage in all activities involving potential urine/blood contact, such as conducting laboratory tests (p < 0.01). We therefore recommend that veterinary technicians specifically receive targeted education about infection control practices. Our results suggest that dog-to-human transmission of leptospirosis is uncommon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Anne J Guagliardo
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.,Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sally Ann Iverson
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.,Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, Arizona.,Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Laura Reynolds
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.,Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Hayley Yaglom
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Heather Venkat
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.,Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, Arizona.,Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Renee Galloway
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Craig Levy
- Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Alison Reindel
- Epidemiology Elective Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Tammy Sylvester
- Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Phoenix, Arizona
| | | | - Margaret LaFerla Jenni
- Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Phoenix, Arizona.,Public Health Associate Program, Center for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Peter Woodward
- Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Norman Beatty
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Aileen Artus
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ronald Klein
- Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Rebecca Sunenshine
- Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Phoenix, Arizona.,Career Epidemiology Field Officer Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ilana J Schafer
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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El-Tras WF, Bruce M, Holt HR, Eltholth MM, Merien F. Update on the status of leptospirosis in New Zealand. Acta Trop 2018; 188:161-167. [PMID: 30165070 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that poses public health and ecological threats worldwide. In New Zealand (NZ), incidence of the disease is relatively high compared to other developed countries. The aim of this review was to describe the epidemiological status, ecological risk of leptospirosis and prevention in NZ. Disease notification data for leptospirosis in humans in NZ from 2010 to 2015 were collected from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research database. These data were supported by a literature review of epidemiological studies in human and animal populations. During this six-year period, exotic serovars of Leptospira interrogans sv Australis and Leptospira kirschneri sv Grippotyphosa were identified in patients who had travelled abroad to Samoa (Pacific Ocean) and Thailand, respectively. Most cases of leptospirosis were recorded in New Zealanders of European ethnicity, followed by Māori people. Males had a nine-fold increased risk compared to females mostly due to occupation. The risk of leptospirosis increased gradually with the age, with a peak in the 40 to 49-year-old age group, after which it decreased. Workers in meat-processing and farming industries appeared at highest-risk of occupational exposure compared with other risky occupations such as hunters, veterinarians, technicians, stock truck drivers and lake workers. Other cases were also attributed to outdoor exposures or travelling overseas. Highest disease notification rates occurred in the West Coast region of the South Island (average annual incidence 9.7 per 100,000 people), followed by Whanganui region (8.2 per 100,000) and Hawke's Bay region (8 per 100,000) in the North Island. Vaccines currently available for animals are specific for cattle, sheep, deer and dogs and do protect against all serovars present in NZ. The development and use of molecular diagnostics is crucial for specific identification of Leptospira isolates and informing deployment of efficient vaccines.
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7
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Sohail ML, Khan MS, Ijaz M, Naseer O, Fatima Z, Ahmad AS, Ahmad W. Seroprevalence and risk factor analysis of human leptospirosis in distinct climatic regions of Pakistan. Acta Trop 2018; 181:79-83. [PMID: 29407239 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a worldwide emerging infectious disease of zoonotic importance and large epidemics and epizootics have been reported all over the globe. A cross survey study was conducted to estimate seroprevalence of human leptospirosis in climatically distinct regions of Pakistan and to identify the risk factors associated with the disease. Blood samples from 360 humans were collected through convenient sampling, 120 from each of three study areas. Serological testing was performed using ELISA kit as per manufacturer's recommendations. The results showed an overall prevalence of 40.83% (95% CI; 35.71-46.11). Statistical analysis showed significant (P < .05) differences in leptospiral seroprevalence in three different geographic locations, with highest in humid sub-tropical climatic region (50.83%; 95% CI; 41.55-60.07), followed by semi-arid region (44.16%; 95% CI; 35.11-53.52) and lowest in hot and dry region (27.50%; 95% CI; 19.75-36.40). After multivariate analysis age, gender, exposure to flooding water, source of water usage, disinfection schedule of surroundings and history of cut and wound were found significantly associated with the seropositivity of Leptospira. The present study, first to uncover seroprevalence of human Leptospira in different climatic regions of Pakistan, alarms about effect of climate on prevalence of Leptospira in the region.
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8
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Sánchez A, Prats-van der Ham M, Tatay-Dualde J, Paterna A, de la Fe C, Gómez-Martín Á, Corrales JC, Contreras A. Zoonoses in Veterinary Students: A Systematic Review of the Literature. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169534. [PMID: 28052113 PMCID: PMC5215727 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veterinary students face diverse potential sources of zoonotic pathogens since the first years of their academic degree. Such sources include different animal species and pathologic materials which are used at university facilities as well as commercial clinics, farms and other external facilities. OBJECTIVES The present study utilizes a systematic review of the literature to identify zoonoses described in veterinary students. DATA SOURCES Web of Science and PubMed. RESULTS Of the 1,254 titles produced by the bibliographic search, 62 were included in this review. Whereas 28 of these articles (45.2%) described individual cases or outbreaks, the remaining 34 (54.8%) reported serological results. The zoonotic etiological agents described were bacteria, in 39 studies (62.9%), parasites, in 12 works (19.4%), virus, in 9 studies (14.5%) and fungi, in 2 (3.2%) of the selected articles. The selected literature included references from 24 different countries and covered the time period of the last 55 years. LIMITATIONS The fact that common cases of disease or cases of little clinical importance without collective repercussions are not usually published in peer-reviewed journals limits the possibility to reach conclusions from a quantitative point of view. Furthermore, most of the selected works (66.1%) refer to European or North American countries, and thus, the number of cases due to pathogens which could appear more frequently in non-occidental countries might be underestimated. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS The results of the present systematic review highlight the need of including training in zoonotic diseases since the first years of Veterinary Science degrees, especially focusing on biosecurity measures (hygienic measures and the utilization of the personal protective equipment), as a way of protecting students, and on monitoring programs, so as to adequately advise affected students or students suspicious of enduring zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Sánchez
- Research Group of Ruminant Health, Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Regional Campus of International Excellence ‘Campus Mare Nostrum’, Murcia University, Spain
| | - Miranda Prats-van der Ham
- Research Group of Ruminant Health, Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Regional Campus of International Excellence ‘Campus Mare Nostrum’, Murcia University, Spain
| | - Juan Tatay-Dualde
- Research Group of Ruminant Health, Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Regional Campus of International Excellence ‘Campus Mare Nostrum’, Murcia University, Spain
| | - Ana Paterna
- Research Group of Ruminant Health, Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Regional Campus of International Excellence ‘Campus Mare Nostrum’, Murcia University, Spain
| | - Christian de la Fe
- Research Group of Ruminant Health, Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Regional Campus of International Excellence ‘Campus Mare Nostrum’, Murcia University, Spain
| | - Ángel Gómez-Martín
- Research Group of Ruminant Health, Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Regional Campus of International Excellence ‘Campus Mare Nostrum’, Murcia University, Spain
| | - Juan C. Corrales
- Research Group of Ruminant Health, Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Regional Campus of International Excellence ‘Campus Mare Nostrum’, Murcia University, Spain
| | - Antonio Contreras
- Research Group of Ruminant Health, Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Regional Campus of International Excellence ‘Campus Mare Nostrum’, Murcia University, Spain
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Sanhueza JM, Heuer C, Wilson PR, Benschop J, Collins-Emerson JM. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Leptospira Seropositivity in Beef Cattle, Sheep and Deer Farmers in New Zealand. Zoonoses Public Health 2016; 64:370-380. [PMID: 27918150 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a global zoonosis that in New Zealand affects primarily people occupationally exposed to livestock. The objective of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of five Leptospira serovars in farmers working on cattle, sheep and deer farms that had the serological status of animals previously assessed and to identify risk factors for farmer seropositivity. A total of 178 farmers from 127 properties participated in the study. Blood samples were tested using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for the presence of antibodies to Leptospira. Samples with a MAT titre ≥48 were considered seropositive. Using Bayesian statistical analysis, the median seroprevalence of Leptospira, all serovars combined, was estimated to be 6.6% (95% probability interval (PI) 3.6-10.9%). Risk factors associated with seropositivity were assisting deer or cattle calving, farming deer, having ≥25% of flat terrain and high abundance of wild deer on farm, while high possum abundance on farm was negatively associated with seropositivity. No association was observed between farmer serostatus and previously recorded livestock serology. Leptospira seropositivity was associated with influenza-like illness of farmers (RR = 1.7; 95% PI 1.0-2.5). Assuming a causal relationship, this suggested an annual risk of 1.3% (95% PI 0.0-3.0%) of influenza-like illnesses due to Leptospira infection in the population of farmers. The association between seropositivity and disease can be used to estimate the public health burden of leptospirosis in New Zealand. Identifying and understanding risk factors for Leptospira seropositivity can inform preventive measures, hence contributing to the reduction of leptospirosis incidence in farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Sanhueza
- EpiCentre, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - C Heuer
- EpiCentre, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - P R Wilson
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - J Benschop
- mEpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre (IDReC), Hopkirk Research Institute, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - J M Collins-Emerson
- mEpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre (IDReC), Hopkirk Research Institute, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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10
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Prevalence and risk factors for Leptospira exposure in New Zealand veterinarians. Epidemiol Infect 2015; 143:2116-25. [DOI: 10.1017/s0950268815000515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYThis study assessed seroprevalence and risk factors for Leptospira (serovars Hardjo, Pomona, Ballum, Copenhageni, Tarassovi) exposure in New Zealand veterinarians. Veterinarians (n = 277) at one of two conferences were voluntarily enrolled and blood samples taken. Microscopic agglutination test (MAT) titres ⩾48 were considered seropositive. Fourteen veterinarians (5·1%, 95% confidence interval 2·8−8·3) were seropositive to Leptospira. Home slaughter of cattle or pigs were significant risk factors for Leptospira exposure. There were no clear relationships between the animal species handled at work and serostatus. However, veterinarians spending a ‘mid to high’ proportion of their time (>50% to ⩽75%) with pets had higher odds of being seropositive than those not working with pets. A borderline positive association (P = 0·09) was observed between seropositivity and clinical influenza-like illness (⩾3 days off work) in the 18 months before the study. Assuming causality, this suggests that 8·3% of these cases may be attributed to Leptospira exposure.
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