Survey of Leptospira spp in pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) in the Pantanal wetlands of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil by serology and polymerase chain reaction

Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira borgpetersenii in cats from Central region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria of the genus Leptospira, which is responsible for substantial impacts on the economy, animal health, and public health. This disease has a global distribution and is particularly prevalent in Brazil. While leptospirosis can affect different animal species, including domestic ones such as dogs and cats, the role of dogs in its epidemiology is established and well-understood. Conversely, the role of domestic cats in the epidemiology of leptospirosis remains unclear, with a significant lack of studies elucidating the roles they play in the transmission of Leptospira spp. and the bacterial species they can host. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the presence of Leptospira spp. DNA in domestic cats and to assess the phylogenetic relationships of the identified microorganisms in the Central region of Rio Grande do Sul State (RS) in southern Brazil. The samples were evaluated for the presence of the gene lipL32 by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of the amplified fragment, followed by phylogenetic analysis. DNA from Leptospira spp. was extracted from the kidney tissue of domestic cats. Pathogenic Leptospira spp. DNA was detected in 22.1 % (67/303) of the samples. Molecular analyses revealed the presence of L. borgpetersenii and L. interrogans in these animals. This study is the first to identify L. borgpetersenii and L. interrogans in domestic cats in RS, highlighting their potential role as bacterial reservoirs. Our findings provide valuable insights into the epidemiology of leptospirosis and can contribute to sanitary measures aimed at controlling and preventing the disease, ultimately protecting public health.

Leptospira borgptersenii and Leptospira interrogans identified in wild mammals in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Leptospira spp. are bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease with considerable impacts on the economy, animal health, and public health. This disease has a global distribution and is particularly prevalent in Brazil. Both rural and urban environments are habitats for Leptospira spp., which are primarily transmitted through contact with the urine of infected animals. Consequently, domestic and wild species can harbor these prokaryotes and serve as infection sources for other hosts. In the context of wild animals, there is a dearth of molecular studies elucidating the roles of various animal and bacterial species in the epidemiology of leptospirosis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the presence of Leptospira spp. DNA in different species of free-living and captive wild animals and to assess the phylogenetic relationships of the identified microorganisms in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The samples were evaluated for the presence of the gene lipL32 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the amplified fragment after which phylogenetic analyzes were carried out. DNA from Leptospira spp. was extracted from kidney tissue from wild animals (Mammalia class). Pathogenic Leptospira spp. DNA was detected in 9.6% (11/114) of the samples, originating from nine species of wild animals, including the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris), skunk (Conepatus chinga), geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi), margay (Leopardus wiedii), pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus), capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), neotropical river otter (Lontra longicaudis), and european hare (Lepus europaeus). Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of Leptospira borgpetersenii and Leptospira interrogans in these animals. This research is the first study contributing to the epidemiology of leptospirosis by identifying L. borgpetersenii and L. interrogans in free-living and captive wild animals in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, potentially acting as bacterial reservoirs. Additionally, our findings can inform sanitary measures for controlling and preventing the disease, thereby safeguarding public health.

Detection of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in unconventional pets

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by Leptospira spp. responsible for considerable impacts on the public and animal health. In the past two decades, non-domesticated species of pets (unconventional pets) have become popular. However, the role of these unconventional pets on maintaining diseases still unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to survey the presence of Leptospira spp. DNA in unconventional pets. Samples of kidney tissues from 29 animals belonging to the Mammalia class (including Orders Carnivora, Lagomorpha and Rodentia) were analyzed for the presence of the gene lipL32. As a result, DNA of pathogenic Leptospira spp. from specie L. interrogans was detected in four (13,80%) of the analyzed samples: three from Oryctolagus cuniculus and one from Mesocricetus auratus. This study highlights the importance of epidemiological surveillance of leptospirosis, as it identified in species of unconventional pets, that may possibly act as reservoirs of Leptospira spp.

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

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

Influence of landscape structure on previous exposure to Leptospira spp. and Brucella abortus in free-living neotropical primates from southern Brazil

The environments in which neotropical primates live have been undergoing an intense fragmentation process, constituting a major threat to the species' survival and causing resource scarcity, social isolation, and difficulty in dispersal, leaving populations increasingly vulnerable. Moreover, the proximity of wild environments to anthropized landscapes can change the dynamics of pathogens and the parasite-host-environment relationship, creating conditions that favor exposure to different pathogens. To investigate the previous exposure of free-living primates in Rio Grande do Sul State (RS), southern Brazil, to the bacterial agents Leptospira spp. and Brucella abortus, we investigated agglutinating antibodies against 23 serovars of Leptospira spp. using the microscopic agglutination test and B. abortus acidified antigen test in primate serum samples; 101 samples from primates captured between 2002 and 2016 in different forest fragments were used: 63 Alouatta caraya, 36 Alouatta guariba clamitans, and 02 Sapajus nigritus cucullatus. In addition, the forest remnants where the primates were sampled were characterized in a multiscale approach in radii ranging from 200 to 1400 m to investigate the potential relationship of previous exposure to the agent with the elements that make up the landscape structure. The serological investigation indicated the presence of antibodies for at least one of the 23 serovars of Leptospira spp. in 36.6% (37/101) of the samples analyzed, with titers ranging from 100 to 1600. The most observed serovars were Panama (17.8%), Ballum (5.9%), Butembo (5.9%), Canicola (5.9%), Hardjo (4.9%), and Tarassovi (3.9%); no samples were seropositive for Brucella abortus. Decreased forest cover and edge density were the landscape factors that had a significant relationship with Leptospira spp. exposure, indicating that habitat fragmentation may influence contact with the pathogen. The data generated in this study demonstrate the importance of understanding how changes in landscape structure affect exposure to pathogenic microorganisms of zoonotic relevance. Hence, improving epidemiological research and understanding primates' ecological role in these settings can help improve environmental surveillance and conservation strategies for primate populations in different landscapes.

Detection of Leptospira interrogans in Wild Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor), Brazil

Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Wild animals may present acute disease or become chronic hosts. The present study aimed to identify Leptospira spp. infection and determine circulating serogroups in free-ranging sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) in a fragment of peri-urban tropical forest in northeastern Brazil. Blood samples were collected and subjected to microscopic agglutination testing (MAT) and PCR analysis (genes lipL32 and secY). Anti-Leptospira antibodies were detected in 60% of the animals tested, with serogroups Cynopteri (33.4%), Hebdomadis (22.2%) and Grippotyphosa (22.2%) identified as most prevalent. DNA corresponding to the pathogenic species Leptospira interrogans was detected in 2/15 (13.3%) of the samples tested. Sambar deer experience a high level of exposure to Leptospira spp. in our epidemiological setting. It is important to emphasize the implementation of effective measures (i.e., maintaining habitats and reducing human contact) for the conservation of endangered species.

Frequency of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in dogs and wild small mammals from rural properties and conservation units in southern Brazil

Leptospirosis is a disease of worldwide distribution that affects man and several animal species. Domestic and wild animals can behave as reservoirs of the agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in dogs and wild small mammals from rural properties and conservation units of three municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Sera were collected from 192 domestic dogs and 132 small mammals, namely rodents of the Cricetidae and Caviidae families and marsupials of the Didelphidae family. The study used Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) against 23 serovars of Leptospira spp. Overall, 9.90% (19/192) dogs, and 1.51% (2/132) small mammals were seropositive. Leptospira interrogans serovar Australis was the most frequent serovar in dogs and antibodies against L. interrogans serovar Pomona were detected in a dog and a small mammal belonging to the same municipality. We conclude that in the regions studied the frequency of seropositivity in dogs is low, and leptospires do not seem to be circulating in small mammals, yet, further research is necessary to assess the real role that these animals may have for leptospirosis in the studied areas. This is the first serological survey in small mammals, including wild rodents, in the area that encompasses conservation units of great importance to Rio Grande do Sul state.

Indicadores biológicos séricos em veado-campeiro ( Ozotoceros bezoarticus bezoarticus, Linnaeus 1758) de vida livre do Pantanal Sul-Mato-Grossense

RESUMO O objetivo com este estudo foi estabelecer os intervalos de referência de diferentes analitos séricos em Ozotoceros bezoarticus bezoarticus de vida livre. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 54 fêmeas e 14 machos adultos, capturados no Pantanal de Mato Grosso do Sul. A determinação das concentrações de cálcio total, albumina, colesterol total, creatinina, glicose, fósforo, proteína total, triglicerídeos e ureia séricas e a atividade das enzimas alanina aminotransferase, aspartato aminotransferase, creatina quinase fração MB e fosfatase alcalina foi realizada em equipamento automático. Valores de globulinas, cálcio total e proporções (razões) entre analitos foram realizados por meio de cálculo matemático. Esta é a primeira descrição do intervalo de referência de parâmetros bioquímicos séricos em veado-campeiro de vida livre do Pantanal de Mato Grosso do Sul. O tamanho da amostra e a distribuição dos dados indicam que os valores médios obtidos são representativos e podem ser usados para a monitorização da saúde, do estado nutricional e do diagnóstico de enfermidades nesse estrato populacional.

Prevalência de leptospirose em rebanhos bovinos no Pantanal de Mato Grosso do Sul

RESUMO: Foi realizado um estudo epidemiológico da leptospirose em fêmeas acima de 24 meses, provenientes de 246 rebanhos, e 2.766 animais amostrados aleatoriamente nos nove municípios que compõem a região do Pantanal de Mato Grosso do Sul, bem como identificados os fatores de risco associados à doença. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas no período de setembro a novembro de 2009 e examinadas pelo teste de aglutinação microscópica ante uma coleção de 24 antígenos vivos de Leptospira spp., representantes dos sorovares Australis, Bratislava, Autumnalis, Butembo, Castellonis, Batavie, Canicola, Whitcombi, Cynopteri, Grippotyphosa, Hebdomadis, Copenhageni, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Javanica, Panamá, Pomona, Pyrogenes, Hardjo, Wolffi, Shermani, Tarassovi, Sentot, Andamana e Patoc. Adicionalmente, representantes de doze estirpes de leptospiras isoladas no Brasil foram adicionados à coleção de antígenos do teste de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM). A prevalência aparente foi de 66% e a prevalência real de animais infectados, de 79,80%, com intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95% (78,3-81,3) e 241 rebanhos apresentando pelo menos um animal reagente. Os sorovares mais prováveis foram o Hardjo seguido pelo Wolffi. Os resultados demonstram que a leptospirose bovina continua presente no Pantanal, com alta prevalência tanto em rebanhos quanto em indivíduos, sendo os principais fatores de risco para a doença o tipo de exploração e a raça.

A systematic review of leptospirosis on wild animals in Latin America

Leptospirosis is a bacterial systemic infection which affects domestic animals and wildlife, as well as humans. Many wild animals act as reservoirs of leptospires. Nevertheless, the real role of wildlife animals as source of infection to livestock and humans, as well as the most important reservoirs and leptospiral strains remains unclear. This systematic review assesses the available data about wildlife and their biomes in Latin America, concerning to leptospiral infection. In addition, we discuss the development of the research on leptospirosis in wildlife in this region. After the application of exclusion criteria, 79 papers were analyzed, comprising 186 species, 122 genus, 53 families, and 19 orders from four classes. Mammals were the most studied class, followed by Amphibian, Reptile, and Aves. The Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup was predominant in most biomes and many orders. A small number of antigens detected the majority of seroreactive animals of each class, and a smaller panel may be used at microscopic agglutination test. Further studies must always consider edaphoclimatic conditions besides only host class or species, in order to obtain a broader understanding of the wild epidemiological cycle of leptospirosis in the region. In conclusion, direct and indirect evidences demonstrate that leptospirosis is largely widespread among wildlife in all biomes of Latin America. Moreover, more research on the role of wildlife on the epidemiology of leptospirosis and its impact on livestock and public health are required, particularly focusing on direct detection of the agent.

Detection of wild animals as carriers of Leptospira by PCR in the Pantanal biome, Brazil

Leptospiral infection is widespread in wildlife. In this context, wild ecosystems in tropical countries hold a vast biodiversity, including several species that may act as potential reservoirs of leptospires. The Pantanal biome presents highly favorable environmental conditions for the occurrence of leptospirosis, such as high temperatures, constant flooding, and high biodiversity. The purpose of this study was to detect wild animals as carriers of Leptospira sp. using direct methods (PCR and culture) in the Pantanal biome, Brazil. A total of 35 animals were studied, namely Cerdocyon thous, Nasua nasua, Ozotoceros bezoarticus, and Sus scrofa species. Blood for serology (MAT) and urine for bacteriological culturing and PCR was sampled. The most prevalent serogroups were Javanica and Djasiman. Additionally, 40.6% of these animals presented PCR positive reactions. Seroreactivity associated with the high frequency of leptospiral carriers among the different studied species suggests a high level of exposure of the studied animals to pathogenic Leptospira strains. Our results are still limited and the actual role of the studied animals in the epidemiology of leptospirosis in the Pantanal region remains to be elucidated.

Occurrence of antibodies anti -Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Leptospira interrogans in a captive deer herd in Southern Brazil

Abstract A large number of Brazilian zoos keep many endangered species of deer, however, very few disease surveillance studies have been conducted among captive cervids. Blood samples from 32 Brazilian deer (Blastocerus dichotomus, Mazama nana and Mazama americana) kept in captivity at Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary (Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil) were investigated for 10 ruminant pathogens, with the aims of monitoring deer health status and evaluating any potential zoonotic risk. Deer serum samples were tested for Brucella abortus, Leptospira (23 serovars), Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, bovine viral diarrhea virus, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus, western equine encephalitis virus, eastern equine encephalitis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Antibodies against T. gondii (15.6%), N. caninum (6.2%) and L. interrogans serogroup Serjoe (3.1%) were detected. The serological results for all other infectious agents were negative. The deer were considered to be clinically healthy and asymptomatic regarding any disease. Compared with studies on free-ranging deer, the prevalences of the same agents tested among the captive deer kept at the Sanctuary were lower, thus indicating good sanitary conditions and high-quality management practices at the zoo.

Avaliação sorológica para leptospirose em mamíferos silvestres procedentes do Parque Zoológico Municipal de Bauru, SP

Com o objetivo de analisar a resposta sorológica à leptospirose, utilizando-se da técnica de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM), no período de 2008 a 2009, foram avaliadas 72 amostras de soros de mamíferos silvestres pertencentes ao Parque Zoológico Municipal de Bauru. Destes, 60 (83,3%) foram reagentes aos seguintes sorovares: Pyrogenes (15,2%); Pomona (9,4%); Autumnalis (8,9%); Whitcombi (6,8%); Tarassovi (6,3%); Hardjo (5,7%); Butembo e Bratislava (4,7%); Wolffi (4,2%); Copenhageni (3,7%); Javanica, Hardjobovis e Hardjo prajitno (3,1%); Hebdomadis e Australis (2,6%); Canicola, Cynopteri e Djasiman (2,1%); Icterohaemorraghiae e Hardjominiswajezak (1,6%); Castellonis, Bataviae, Sentot, Gryppotyphosa e HardjoCTG, (1,0%); Panamá e Andamana, (0,5%). Além dos animais silvestres, foram analisados 50 soros de roedores sinantrópicos, capturados no interior do Parque, onde 48 (96%) foram reagentes à leptospirose. Os sorovares prevalentes foram: Bratislava (14,1%); Cynopteri (11,4%); Butembo (10,3%); Autumnalis (9,2%); Pyrogenes (8,7%); Hardjo miniswajezak (7,6%), Australis (5,4%), Hardjo (4,9%); Hardjo prajitno (3,8%), Djasiman e HardjoCTG (3,3%), Whitcombi, Copenhageni e Tarassovi (2,7%), Pomona e Shermani (2,2%), Canicola (1,1%), Castellonis, Bataviae, Gryppotyphosa, Panama, Wolffi, Andamana, Patoc e Hardjobovis (0,5%). Os resultados obtidos demonstraram a necessidade do monitoramento sorológico contínuo dos animais do zoo, e adoção de medidas de controle frente à leptospirose, tais como a verificação de pontos de alagamento nos recintos e o controle de roedores, visando a não disseminação desta zoonose no ambiente do parque.