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Díaz EA, Arroyo G, Sáenz C, Mena L, Barragán V. Leptospirosis in horses: Sentinels for a neglected zoonosis? A systematic review. Vet World 2023; 16:2110-2119. [PMID: 38023277 PMCID: PMC10668546 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.2110-2119] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Leptospirosis is considered a neglected tropical zoonosis in low-income countries due to surveillance system limitations and non-specificity of symptoms. Humans become infected through direct contact with carrier animals or indirectly through Leptospira-contaminated environments. Conventionally, equines have been considered an uncommon source of leptospirosis, but recent publications in Latin America suggest that their role in the maintenance and dispersion of the bacteria could be more relevant than expected, as horses are susceptible to a wide variety of zoonotic Leptospira spp. from domestic and wild animals with which they share the environment. A systematic review of the published literature was conducted to compile the available information on Leptospira spp. in Ecuador, with a special focus on equine leptospirosis, to better understand the epidemiology of the bacterium and identify possible knowledge gaps. Materials and Methods A systematic review of the published literature was conducted in PubMed, SciELO and Web of Science databases to compile the available information on Leptospira spp. in Ecuador, with a special focus on equine leptospirosis, to better understand the epidemiology of the bacterium. We used a combination of the terms (Leptospira OR Leptospirosis) AND Ecuador, without restrictions on language or publication date. Results Our literature review reveals that published scientific information is very scarce. Eighteen full-text original scientific articles related to Leptospira or leptospirosis cases in Ecuador were included in the systematic review. Most of the studies reported data obtained from one of the four regions (Coast), and specifically from only one of the 24 Provinces of Ecuador (Manabí), which evidence a large information bias at the geographical level. Furthermore, only the studies focused on humans included clinical signs of leptospirosis and there is only one study that analyzes the presence of Leptospira spp. in water or soil as a risk factor for pathogen transmission. Finally, only one study investigated Leptospira in horses. Conclusion Since sentinel species can provide useful data on infectious diseases when epidemiologic al information is lacking, and horses could be considered excellent sentinel species to reveal circulating serovars, we propose developing a nationwide surveillance system using horses. This cost-effective epidemiological survey method provides a baseline for implementing specific prevention and control programs in Ecuador and neighboring developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo A. Díaz
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego Robles, Quito, 170157, Ecuador
| | - Gabriela Arroyo
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego Robles, Quito, 170157, Ecuador
| | - Carolina Sáenz
- Hospital de Fauna Silvestre Tueri, Instituto iBIOTROP, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego Robles, Quito, 170157, Ecuador
| | - Luis Mena
- Carrera de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Pecuarias, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo ESPOCH, Riobamba, 060155, Ecuador
| | - Verónica Barragán
- Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Instituto de Microbiología, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego Robles, Quito, 170157, Ecuador
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Anderson T, Hamond C, Haluch A, Toot K, Nally JE, LeCount K, Schlater LK. Animals Exposed to Leptospira Serogroups Not Included in Bacterins in the United States and Puerto Rico. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8030183. [PMID: 36977184 PMCID: PMC10051158 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030183] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease. Pathogenic leptospires colonize the renal tubules and genital tract of animals and are excreted via urine. Transmission occurs via direct contact or through contaminated water or soil. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) is the gold standard for the serodiagnosis of leptospirosis. The present study aims to evaluate animal exposure to Leptospira in the U.S. and Puerto Rico during the period 2018-2020. The presence of antibodies against pathogenic Leptospira spp. was assessed with the MAT according to the standards of the World Organisation for Animal Health. A total of 568 sera were submitted for diagnostic, surveillance, or import/export testing from the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Seropositivity (≥1:100) was 51.8% (294/568) with agglutinating antibodies found in 115 (39.1%) cattle, 84 (28.6%) exotic animals, 38 (12.9%) horses, 22 (7.5%) goats, 15 (5.1%) dogs, 11 (3.7%) swine, and 9 (3.1%) sheep. The most detected serogroups were Australis, Grippotyphosa, and Ballum. The results showed that animals were exposed to serogroups/serovars not included in commercial bacterins such as Ballum, Bratislava (only in swine vaccine), and Tarassovi. Our findings suggest that more studies should include culture and concomitant genotyping to reduce animal disease and zoonotic risk through efficacious vaccine and diagnostic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Anderson
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Camila Hamond
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Andréa Haluch
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Kari Toot
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, ARS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Karen LeCount
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Linda K Schlater
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
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Li D, Liang H, Yi R, Xiao Q, Zhu Y, Chang Q, Zhou L, Liu B, He J, Liu T, Fan Z, Cheng W, Wang W, Zhang Y, Pan P. Clinical characteristics and prognosis of patient with leptospirosis: A multicenter retrospective analysis in south of China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1014530. [PMID: 36325463 PMCID: PMC9618720 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1014530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. However, there is currently no consensual definition or diagnostic criteria for severe and different forms of leptospirosis. Therefore, more insight on clinical manifestations, risk factors, and outcomes of leptospirosis is warranted. The identification of leptospirosis with distinct clinical manifestations and prognosis in our population. Methods Multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical classification on principal components were presented to identify different clinical types of leptospirosis. The outcomes were clinical phenotypes, laboratory and imaging findings, and prognosis. Results The 95 enrolled patients had median values of 54.0 years (39.0-65.0) for age, 9.0 (7.0-14.0) for total hospital stay lengths, of whom 86.3% was male and 40.0% was transferred to ICU. Three clinical types were distinguished: mild leptospirosis (n=43, 45.3%) with less organ dysfunction and shorter hospital stays; respiratory leptospirosis (n=28, 29.5%) with hemoptysis, and respiratory and circulatory failure; and hepato-renal leptospirosis (n=24, 25.3%) with worst liver and kidney dysfunction. Total hospital mortality was 15.8% and was associated with dyspnea and high levels of neutrophil counts. Conclusions The identification of leptospirosis with distinct clinical manifestations and prognosis in our population may assist clinicians to distinguish leptospirosis-like disease. Moreover, dyspnea and neutrophil count were found to be independent risk factors for severe leptospirosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianwu Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Huaying Liang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Yi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Qian Xiao
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Yiqun Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Qinyu Chang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Lihua Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Changsha Central Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Emergency, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, China
| | - Junjun He
- Department of General Surgery, Shaoyang Central Hospital, Shaoyang, China
| | - Tianxing Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yongzhou Central Hospital, Yongzhou, China
| | - Zhijun Fan
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liuyang People’s Hospital, Liuyang, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of Respiratory, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weizhong Wang
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Pinhua Pan, ; Yan Zhang,
| | - Pinhua Pan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Pinhua Pan, ; Yan Zhang,
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LEPTOSPIRA, PARVOVIRUS, AND TOXOPLASMA IN THE NORTH AMERICAN RIVER OTTER (LONTRA CANADENSIS) IN NORTH CAROLINA, USA. J Wildl Dis 2021; 56:791-802. [PMID: 32320341 DOI: 10.7589/2019-05-129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is the largest mustelid in North Carolina, US, and was once extirpated from the central and western portions of the state. Over time and after a successful reintroduction project, otters are now abundant and occur throughout North Carolina. However, there is a concern that diseases may have an impact on the otter population, as well as on other aquatic mammals, either through exposure to emerging diseases, contact with domestic animals such as domestic cats (Felis catus), or less robust condition of individuals through declines in water quality. We tested brain and kidney tissue from harvested otters for the pathogens that cause leptospirosis, parvovirus, and toxoplasmosis. Leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis are priority zoonoses and are maintained by domestic and wild mammals. Although parvovirus is not zoonotic, it does affect pets, causing mild to fatal symptoms. Across the 2014-15 and 2015-16 trapping seasons, we tested 220 otters (76 females, 144 males) using real-time PCR for Leptospira interrogans, parvovirus, and Toxoplasma gondii. Of the otters tested, 1% (3/220) were positive for L. interrogans, 19% (41/220) were positive for parvovirus, and 24% (53/220) were positive for T. gondii. Although the pathogens for parvovirus and toxoplasmosis are relatively common in North Carolina otters, the otter harvest has remained steady and the population appears to be abundant and self-sustaining. Therefore, parvovirus and toxoplasmosis do not currently appear to be negatively impacting the population. However, subsequent research should examine transmission parameters between domestic and wild species and the sublethal effects of infection.
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Blessington T, Schenck AP, Levine JF. Frequency of Animal Leptospirosis in the Southern United States and the Implications for Human Health. South Med J 2020; 113:240-249. [PMID: 32358619 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000001093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with symptoms in humans and animals, ranging from subclinical to serious and fatal. The disease occurs worldwide, but there is limited recognition of the public and animal health risks it poses in the southern United States. A systematic review of the frequency of animal leptospirosis in 17 states and jurisdictions covering the southern continental United States was performed to advance our understanding of the pathogen's distribution and identify transmission patterns that could be targeted for prevention efforts. Fifty-two articles, spanning >100 years, met the analysis criteria. A wide range of techniques were used to measure seroprevalence and isolate the bacteria. The assessment identified exposure to Leptospira spp and Leptospira spp infection among a diverse range of species, spanning 22 animal families within 14 states, suggesting that the pathogen is distributed throughout the southern region. Disease frequency trends were assessed among animals in various habitats (all habitats, nonwild habitats, and wild habitats). The frequency of Leptospira spp detection in animals in wild habitats increased slightly over time (<0.2%/year). We identified reports of 11 human leptospirosis illness clusters and outbreaks in the southern United States. Exposure to potentially contaminated surface waters were documented for at least seven of the events, and interactions with infected or likely infected animals were documented for at least six of the events. This analysis highlights the need for stronger partnerships across the public and animal health fields to enhance diagnostics, surveillance, and reporting. The early identification of leptospirosis in animals may serve as an indicator of environmental contamination and trigger prevention measures, such as vaccinating companion animals and livestock, use of potable water, and the wearing of waterproof protective clothing near water that may be contaminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyann Blessington
- From the Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and the Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh
| | - Anna P Schenck
- From the Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and the Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh
| | - Jay F Levine
- From the Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and the Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh
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Zhang H, Zhang C, Zhu Y, Mehmood K, Liu J, McDonough SP, Tang Z, Chang YF. Leptospirosis trends in China, 2007-2018: A retrospective observational study. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:1119-1128. [PMID: 31765064 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is one of the most common and neglected tropical waterborne diseases in China, causing serious economic losses, and constituting a significant public health threat. Leptospirosis has recently received increased attention and is considered a re-emerging infectious disease in many countries. The incidence of leptospirosis among people suggests that occupation, age, season, sex and water recreational activities are significant risk factors. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological profiles of leptospirosis in China during the 2007-2018 period. The morbidity data of leptospirosis by age, season (month), gender, occupation and geographic location (different provinces) were obtained from the public health science data centre of China for subsequent epidemiological analysis. The results indicate that the incidence of leptospirosis has shown a slow downward trend from 2007 to 2018, but morbidity rates were still relatively high (0.0660-0.0113). The incidence of leptospirosis varied in different provinces of China; cases localized mainly to the Southern and Central provinces, areas with warm weather and ample rainfall. Older people (aged 60-75), males, farmers, students and field workers were high-risk populations. During the 2007-2018 observation period, morbidity rates increased beginning in May, remained at high levels in August and September and decreased after November. The present investigation highlights the re-emergence of leptospirosis in some provinces of China (especially in Yunnan and Fujian) and shows that leptospirosis remains a serious public health threat. The results of this study should enhance measures taken for the prevention, control, and surveillance of leptospirosis in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Cuicai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yongzhang Zhu
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Khalid Mehmood
- University College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Jinjing Liu
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Sean P McDonough
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Zhaoxin Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yung-Fu Chang
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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