Leptospirosis in central & eastern Uttar Pradesh, an underreported disease: A prospective cross-sectional study

Background & objective: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease associated with potentially fatal consequences and a grossly underreported disease in Uttar Pradesh. However, only a few studies are available which report the prevalence of leptospirosis in this State. Hence, this study was undertaken to know the status of the disease in central and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Methods: A total of 143 serum and urine samples were collected from patients with acute febrile illness from July 2017 to March 2019. All the serum samples were tested for Leptospira by rapid IgM antibody card and IgM ELISA and urine samples were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect Leptospira DNA. All positive and 10 per cent negative sera from ELISA and RT-PCR (all rapid test positive were also ELISA positive) were sent to the ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Port Blair for microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Results: Thirty eight (26.6%) out of 143 samples were positive for leptospirosis either by ELISA or RT-PCR. Positive results were eight (6%) by Rapid card, 32 (22%) by IgM ELISA, 10 (7%) by MAT, 10 (7%) by RT-PCR. In MAT, the most common serovar was Lai followed by Hebdomadis, Bangkinang and Pomona. Interpretation & conclusions: Leptospirosis was found to be one of the important causes for acute febrile illness in the central and eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh. The results of the present study suggest that it is necessary to increase diagnostic facility and awareness in clinicians for the screening of leptospirosis in acutely febrile patients to decrease morbidity and mortality associated with this disease.

Antibodies against Leptospira spp. in bovine serum samples from several Brazilian states analyzed in the period from 2007 to 2015 / [Anticorpos contra Leptospira spp. em amostra de soro bovino de diversos estados brasileiros analisados no período entre 2007 e 2015]

Bovine leptospirosis assumes great economic importance since it affects several production aspects. Therefore, knowledge about the occurrence and distribution of this disease is fundamental to adopt the correct prevention measures. The present study aimed to evaluate the frequency of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in 24,483 bovine serum samples received between 2007 to 2015 from 21 Brazilian states. Of these, 8,643 (35.3%) were reagents in the microscopic agglutination test to one or more serovars of Leptospira spp. The most frequent serovars were Wolffi (61.47%), Tarassovi (9.62%) and Pomona (7.20%). Hardjo serovar presented a prevalence of 6.27%. Among the 21 states analyzed, the State of Pernambuco had the highest frequency with 88.24% and the State of São Paulo was the origin of the largest number of analyzed samples (13,838), with a frequency of 31.54% of reagents. The results demonstrate a high exposure to several serovars of Leptospira spp. in bovine species in Brazilian states, showing the importance of adopting prophylactic measures in order to reduce the risk of infection in this specie.(AU)

Com o objetivo de avaliar a frequência de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp., foram analisadas 24.483 amostras de soro sanguíneo bovino, provenientes de 21 estados brasileiros, recebidas no período de 2007 a 2015. Destas, 8.643 (35,3%) foram reagentes no teste de soroaglutinação microscópica a uma ou mais sorovariedades de Leptospira spp., e as sorovariedades com maior frequência foram Wolffi (61,47%), Tarassovi (9,62%) e Pomona (7,20%). A sorovariedade Hardjo apresentou prevalência de 6,27%. Entre os 21 estados analisados, o estado de Pernambuco apresentou a maior frequência, com 88,24%, e o estado de São Paulo foi a origem do maior número de amostras para análise, 13.838, com frequência de 31,54% de reagentes.(AU)

Epidemiological characteristics of Leptospira spp. infection in bovine herds in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil / Caracterização soroepidemiológica da infecção por Leptospira spp. em rebanhos bovinos de corte do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

The epidemiological characteristics of bovine leptospirosis in animals and herds in Mato Grosso do Sul were investigated to determine parameters such as disease frequency and the serovars reactant in beef cattle herds. A total of 4,629 beef cattle herds were examined against 33 Leptospira spp. serovars. The serum samples were submitted to the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for the serological diagnosis of leptospirosis. The MAT results showed that 3,814 (82.39%) of the 4,629 animals evaluated were seropositive for the bacterium, with serological reactions mainly to serogroup Sejroe, serovar Wolffi (36.49%). The observed high frequency of reactive animals demonstrates the relevance of the infection. Therefore, general and specific measures should be implemented to contain and/or prevent infection of the animals in the studied region.(AU)

Foi realizado um inquérito epidemiológico da leptospirose em bovinos de rebanhos de corte do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, de modo a determinar a frequência e as sorovariedades reagentes. Para isso, foram examinados 4.629 bovinos de corte, com uma coleção de 33 sorovariedades de Leptospira, por meio da prova de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (MAT). Dos 4.629 animais examinados, 3.814 (82,39%) foram reagentes com reações predominates para o sorogrupo Sejroe, sorovar Wolffi (36,49%). Assim, a alta frequência de animais reagentes encontrada justifica a implantação de medidas gerais e específicas para conter e/ou prevenir a infecção nos animais dessa região.(AU)

Leptospirosis diagnosis among patients suspected of dengue fever in Brazil

The early symptoms of leptospirosis and dengue fever are difficult to distinguish and can cause diagnostic confusion. Due to the large dengue epidemics that has occurred in Brazil in recent years, it is possible that cases of leptospirosis were unreported. Therefore, we performed a retrospective study to detect leptospirosis in patients who were tested for dengue, but whose laboratory diagnoses were negative. Methods: Sera samples from 2,017 patients from 48 cities located in the central region of São Paulo state, Brazil, were studied. All samples were subjected to the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), 305 of which were taken from patients five days or less since the onset of symptoms, and were additionally subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The overall prevalence of leptospirosis cases was 21 (1.04%), with 20 through MAT (18 for Icterohaemorrhagiae and two for the Cynopteri serogroup) and one through PCR (amplicon sequencing compatible with Leptospira interrogans). According to previously established criteria, eight cases of leptospirosis were classified as "confirmed" and 13 as "probable". The Brazilian notification system for health surveillance had no records for 16 patients positive for leptospirosis and, thus, they were considered unreported cases. Statistical analyses revealed that the prevalence of leptospirosis was higher in men (1.56%) than in women (0.56%), and the mean age was higher in positive patients (43.7 years) than in negative ones (32.3 years). Conclusion: The results indicated that patients suspected of dengue fever had evidence of leptospirosis or Leptospira infection, and most of these cases were unreported in the Brazilian notification system. The high burden of dengue may contribute to the misdiagnosis of leptospirosis, and health professionals should increase their awareness of leptospirosis as an important differential diagnosis of patients with suspicion of dengue.(AU)

Detection of anti-Leptospira spp. agglutinins in captive South American river turtles, Podocnemis expansa

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis transmitted by contact with infected urine or water contaminated with the agent. Searches for Leptospira spp. in reptiles are scarce although most species have contact with aquatic environments. We evaluated the presence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in Podocnemis expansa housed at the Amazonian Zoobotanical Garden, in Belém, Pará state, Brazil. We analyzed 74 serum samples through the microscopic agglutination test using 31 live antigens from different Leptospira spp. serogroups. Thirty samples (40.5%) were positive against Leptospira spp., with titrations between 100 and 3,200 for one or more serogroups. The Hebdomadis serogroup was the most prevalent, with 26 (87%) out of the 30 positive samples, followed by Djasiman, with two (7%) and Celledoni and Bataviae with one (3%) sample each. The detection of anti-Leptospira spp. agglutinins in P. expansa suggests that the aquatic environment is a transmission route for this pathogen among chelonians. (AU)

Leptospirosis in slaughtered cows in the Triangulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais: prevalence, serological profile and renal lesions / Leptospirose em vacas abatidas no Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais: prevalência, perfil sorológico e lesões renais

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

A leptospirose é uma zoonose que afeta várias espécies de animais domésticos e silvestres e importante causa de prejuízos à bovinocultura nacional. Objetivou-se determinar a prevalência da leptospirose e identificar os sorovares de Leptospira interrogans mais freqüentes na região do Triângulo Mineiro, além de avaliar microscopicamente as lesões renais e correlacionar estas lesões com sorovares específicos. Foram coletadas amostras de soro sanguíneo e fragmentos de rim de 100 fêmeas bovinas em abatedouro e, destas 100 amostras, 48% foram positivas. Os sorovares para os quais houve mais animais reagentes foram Wolffi (24%), hardjo (21%) e Hebdomadis (18%). Dentre as amostras positivas, 14/48 apresentaram títulos de anticorpos aglutinantes superiores a 1:100 e notou-se que 70,83% dos animais soropositivos reagiram a mais de um sorovar de Leptospira interrogans. Somente uma propriedade não possuía vacas sororreagentes para leptospirose e das nove propriedades estudadas, seis (66,66%) apresentaram animais soropositivos ao sorovar Hebdomadis. Ao exame histopatológico, as alterações microscópicas mais encontradas em animais positivos foram hialinização (81,25%), congestão (81,25%) e degeneração hidrópica (70,83%). Porém, essas alterações histopatológicas também foram encontradas em rins de animais negativos à sorologia, como hialinização (80,77%), congestão (48,07%) e degeneração hidrópica (55,77%) e estes achados não apresentaram correlação com positividade. O exame histopatológico dos rins não é indicado para substituir o diagnóstico sorológico da leptospirose, podendo ser utilizado somente como um exame complementar. Apesar da frequência de animais sororreagentes ser baixa na região do Triângulo Mineiro, a doença está presente em um grande número depropriedades. Chama a atenção a alta frequência do sorovar Hebdomadis, podendo ser considerado um sorovar emergente na região. A avaliação da frequência deste sorovar em outras regiões se torna importante, pois uma vez verificada, deve resultar na recomendação da inclusão deste sorovar no controle da leptospirose.

Serologic Evidence of Leptospirosis in Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital, Central Kerala, India- A Retrospective Study.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease seen all over the world caused by pathogenic members of the genus Leptospira. Humans are infected by direct or indirect contact with an environment contaminated by urine of infected animals such as rodents, cattle and dogs. As the clinical manifestations of leptospirosis are nonspecific, laboratory diagnostic methods are needed for definitive diagnosis.METHODSThis is a retrospective study conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College, Kottayam, Kerala, in patients with clinical features of acute febrile illness from January 2015 to December 2018. A total of 2941 blood samples were received for leptospira serology. They were subjected to specific anti leptospira IgM ELISA by Panbio Diagnostics, Brisbane, Australia. In the year 2018, 43 samples received during flood period were subjected to PCR, in addition to antileptospira IgM ELISA. For PCR, blood in EDTA, CSF and urine were sent to Manipal Centre for Virus Research, Karnataka. Twenty-five blood samples were sent for Microscopic Agglutination Test to Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary and Animal sciences, Mannuthy, India. Modified Faine’s criteria were assessed based on clinical, epidemiological and laboratory findings.RESULTSAmong 2941 cases of acute febrile illness, 777 (26.4 %) cases were serologically positive (IgM ELISA) for leptospirosis. Among 777 cases, maximum cases 481 (61.9 %) were seen during the year 2018, followed by 106 (13.64 %) cases during the year 2016, 104 cases (13.38 %) during the year 2015 and 86 (11.06 %) cases during the year 2017. Maximum cases were seen during the month of August, September, and October. Among 43 cases during flood 2018, 35 were (81.4 %) males and 8 (18.6%) were females. Maximum cases were seen in the age group of 41-50 years. Among the 43 cases, fever was present in all the 43 (100%) cases followed by myalgia in 36 (83.7 %) cases. Headache was seen in 22 (51.16%) cases, jaundice in 16 (37.2%) cases, cough and breathlessness in 15 (34.9%) cases, conjunctival suffusion in 13 (30.2% ), oliguria in 13 (30.2%) cases, vomiting in 11 (25.6 %) cases, abdominal pain in 7 (16.3%) cases, diarrhoea in 4 (9.3% ) cases, altered sensorium in 3 (6.9%) cases. Among complications, acute kidney injury was seen in 13 (30.2%) cases, followed by respiratory injury (ARDS) requiring mechanical ventilation in 10 (23.3%) cases and myocarditis in 4 (9.3%) cases.CONCLUSIONSLeptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of protean clinical manifestations with difficulty in diagnosis. Confirmation by diagnostic test is essential so that early diagnosis helps in early treatment and prevention of complications in turn reducing mortality.

Presence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in captive yellow-spotted river turtles (Podocnemis unifilis) in the Eastern Amazon / Presença de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. em tracajás (Podocnemis unifilis) na Amazônia Oriental

ABSTRACT: We describe anti-Leptospira spp. agglutinin in yellow-spotted river turtles (Podocnemis unifilis)in the Amazon region. Ninety-eight serum samples from individuals housed at the Bosque Rodrigues Alves Zoobotanical Garden of Amazonia, Belém, PA, Brazil, were subject to the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) using 19 different Leptospira spp. antigen serogroups. Thirty-four of the 98 samples (35%) were reactive, with titers ranging from 100 to 3200, and eight 8 reactive samples (23.5%) co-agglutinated under two or more serovars.The most common serogroup was Hebdomadis (26.9%, 7/26), followed by Semaranga (23%, 6/26), Shermani (19.2%, 5/26), Djasiman (11.5%, 3/26), and Australis (7.7%, 2/26); Bataviae, Javanica, and Sejroewere represented by a single sample each (3.9%). The presence of turtles reactive to anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies implies exposure to the pathogen.

RESUMO: Este trabalho descreve a detecção de aglutininas anti-Leptospira spp. em tracajás (Podocnemis unifilis) na região Amazônica. Obtivemos 98 amostras de soro, as quais foram submetidas ao teste de aglutinação microscópica (MAT), utilizando 31 antígenos de diferentes sorogrupos de Leptospira spp. Das 98 amostras de soro coletadas, 35% (34/98) reagiram apresentando titulações de 100 a 3200; 23,53% dessas amostras (8/34) coaglutinaram na presença de dois ou mais sorovares. O sorogrupo mais comum foi Hebdomadis com 26,9% (7/26), seguido de Semaranga com 23% (6/26), Shermani com 19,2% (5/26), Djasiman com 11,5% (3/26), e Australis com 7,7% (2/26). Bataviae, Javanica, e Sejroe foram representados com apenas uma amostra (3,9%). A presença de tracajás reagentes a anticorpos contra Leptospira spp. implica na exposição ao patógeno.

Prevalence and risk factors to Leptospira sp. infection in dogs attended at veterinary clinics in João Pessoa, Paraíba State, Northeastern Brazil / Prevalência e fatores de risco da infecção por Leptospira sp. em cães atendidos em clínicas veterinárias em João Pessoa, Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil

This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with Leptospira sp. in dogs attended at veterinary clinics in the city of João Pessoa, State of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. A total of 384 blood samples from dogs from 34 veterinary clinics were used from April 2015 to May 2016. The serological Leptospira sp diagnosis was carried out through Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT), using a collection of 20 pathogenic antigens and adopting a 1:100 dilution as cutoff point. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied to the animal's owners to obtain the information used in risk factors analysis. The prevalence of seropositive animals was 11.7% (45/384), with reactions for serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae (62.3%), Grippotyphosa (22.2%), Canicola (13.3%), Djasiman 2%) and Pomona (2.2%). The following risk factors were identified: age from 49 to 72 months (odds ratio = 2.74); Age > 72 months (odds ratio = 3.22); and monthly cleaning of the environment where the animals were kept (odds ratio = 10.70). We concluded that dogs attended at veterinary clinics in João Pessoa are exposed to Leptospira sp infection, with predominance of serogroups kept by wild or synanthropic animals, and suggest a monthly periodic environment cleaning where the animals are kept.(AU)

O presente trabalho investigou a prevalência e os fatores de risco associados à infecção por Leptospira sp. em cães atendidos em clínicas veterinárias da cidade de João Pessoa, Estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. Foram utilizadas 384 amostras sanguíneas de cães provenientes de 34 clínicas veterinárias no período de abril de 2015 a maio de 2016. O diagnóstico da infecção por Leptospira sp. foi realizado com o emprego reação de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM), utilizando uma coleção com 20 antígenos patogênicos e adotando como ponto de corte a diluição 1:100. Foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico aos proprietários dos animais para obtenção de dados a serem utilizados na análise de fatores de risco. A prevalência de animais soropositivos foi de 11,7% (45/384), com reações para os sorogrupos Icterohaemorrhagiae (62,3%), Grippotyphosa (22,2%), Canicola (13,3%), Djasiman (2,2%) e Pomona (2,2%). Foram identificados os seguintes fatores de risco: idade entre 49 e 72 meses (odds ratio = 2,74), idade maior que 72 meses (odds ratio = 3,22), e limpeza mensal do ambiente onde os animais permanecem (odds ratio = 10,70). Conclui-se que cães atendidos em clínicas veterinárias de João Pessoa estão expostos à infecção por Leptospira sp., com predominância de sorogrupos mantidos por animais selvagens, e foi sugerida a realização da limpeza periódica do ambiente ocupado pelos animais.(AU)

Evaluation of an in-house LipL32 polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis of leptospirosis and its correlation with various serological diagnostic techniques

Background: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of ubiquitous distribution. During rainy seasons, in spring and summer and also during harvest times, the risk of leptospirosis increases as there are chances of frequent contact with infected rat population which is common in Karnataka as farming is a main source of income to the people here. There is a paucity of data regarding the prevalent serovars from Karnataka. This study was undertaken as an attempt to compare a battery of tools such as immunochromatographic test (ICT), microscopic agglutination test (MAT), immunoglobulin M (IgM) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and in-house polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect leptospirosis. Settings and Design: This study using consecutive sampling technique was conducted in a tertiary care centre, Mysore, Karnataka. Subjects and Methods: Samples from 783 suspected cases of leptospirosis in and around Mysore between April 2013 and April 2016 were processed. Samples from 783 patients suspected of leptospirosis were subjected to ICT, IgM ELISA, MAT and in-house PCR. Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software version. Results: Among 783 samples tested, only 14 (1.7%) were positive by ICT, 341 (44%) were positive by IgM ELISA, 368 (47%) were positive by MAT and 393 (50.2%) were positive by in-house PCR. Conclusions: Mysore can be considered endemic for leptospirosis. The in-house PCR based on LipL32 gene proved to be useful in the early diagnosis of leptospirosis.

Detection of antibodies against Leptospira spp in free-living marsupials caught in the Eastern Amazon

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Serological surveys are important to assess the health status of wild animals. In this study, antibodies against Leptospira spp, causal agents of leptospirosis, were detected in free-living marsupials in the State of Pará, Brazil. METHODS: Nineteen blood samples collected from marsupials in the municipalities of Peixe-Boi, Viseu, and Castanhal were subjected to microscopic agglutination tests. RESULTS: In total, 36.8% (7/19) of samples were positive, and two exhibited co-agglutination. The most frequent serovars were Icterohaemorrhagiae (60%; 3/5), Panama (20%; 1/5), and Nupezo (20%; 1/5). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-Leptospira spp antibodies currently circulate in free-living marsupials in Northeastern Pará.

Diagnostic utility of an immunochromatography test for the detection of Leptospira IgM antibodies in domestic dogs

A cross-sectional study using 99 serum samples of dogs from southern Chile was conducted to determine the diagnostic utility of a rapid immunochromatography assay for the detection of Leptospira specific IgM antibodies as screening test and as a potential aid in the diagnosis of leptospirosis in animals with and without clinical suspicion of the disease. The Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) was used as reference assay. Anti-Leptospira antibodies were detected in 37.3% of the dogs with MAT. Using the immunochromatography test, specific IgM antibodies were found in 13.1% of sampled dogs. The sensitivity of the rapid test as screening assay was 29.7% (95% Confidence Interval=16.4-47.2) and the specificity was 96.7% (95% Confidence Interval=87.8-99.4). 40.0% of the canines with clinical suspicion of leptospirosis and 37.1% of dogs without clinical signs were serological reactors to MAT, but none of MAT reactive dogs with clinical suspicion tested positive in the rapid test. Rapid and user-friendly diagnostic procedures for canine leptospirosis such as this immunochromatography assay could be important tools to use in clinical practice, however, further studies are needed to obtain more information about their utility, considering that diagnostic tests could not have similar performances in different geographic locations, clinical and epidemiological contexts.(AU)

Frequency of and risk factors associated to Leptospira spp. Seropositivity in goats in the state of Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil / Frequência e fatores de riscos associados a caprinos soropositivos a Leptospiras spp. no Estado de Sergipe, Nordeste do Brasil

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and factors associated with the occurrence of seropositivity for Leptospira spp. in goat herds in the state of Sergipe, Brazil, on the basis of the analysis of 675 samples collected from 41 properties in 2013-2014. Analysis of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies revealed that 25.74% goats (194) were seropositive and that 90.24% (37) of the properties had at least one infected goat. The most prevalent serogroup was Icterohaemorrhagiae (85.57%); although, the study animals were reactive to other serogroups: Australis (5.15%), Pomona (3.61%), Sejroe (3.09%), and Pyrogenes (2.58%) had titers ≤400 in 96.91% of cases. The origin of the water source [still water source (OR=3.86)] was associated with seropositivity. Results reflected the importance of adopting appropriate management practices for herds in Sergipe.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a frequência e os fatores associados à soropositividade para Leptospira spp. em caprinos do Estado de Sergipe, Nordeste do Brasil, utilizando 675 animais de 41 propriedades no período de 2013 e 2014. A frequência de positividade entre os animais foi de 25,74% (194), e em 90,24% (37) das propriedades houve pelo menos um animal soropositivo. O sorogrupo reagente predominante foi o Icterohaemorrhagiae (85,57%), com presença também de animais reagentes para Australis (5,15%), Pomona (3,61%), Sejroe (3,09%) e Pyrogenes (2,58%) com títulos ≤400 em 96,91% dos casos. A origem da água fornecida (água parada) (OR=3,86) foi o fator associado à presença de caprinos positivos. Ressalta-se a importância da adoção de práticas de manejo adequadas nos rebanhos caprinos sergipanos.

Estudio preliminar serológico de Leptospira spp. en un rebaño ovino de la sabana de Bogotá / Preliminary serological study of Leptospira spp. in a sheep flock on the savannah of Bogotá / Estudo preliminar sorológico de Leptospira spp. em um rebanho ovino da savana de Bogotá

El objeto de la investigación fue realizar un estudio serológico de la leptospirosis en un rebaño ovino de la sabana de Bogotá, con el propósito de detectar la presencia de este agente y ampliar el conocimiento sobre su tendencia en nuestro medio. Se realizaron dos visitas a la granja, una durante el periodo seco (enero) y otra en la época lluviosa (mayo), donde se chequearon 250 animales en cada uno de los dos periodos, pertenecientes a 100 machos y 150 hembras de diferentes razas existentes en la granja. Se evaluó la presencia de anticuerpos contra los seis serovares que se han reconocido como los más frecuentes en Colombia en las diferentes especies domésticas. La prueba utilizada fue la de microaglutinación. Los resultados obtenidos en el estudio indicaron que el serovar más frecuente en los ovinos fue L. interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae, seguido por L. interrogans serovar Bratislava, L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo, L. interrogans serovares Canicola, Pomona y Grippotyphosa. Se concluye que la leptospirosis en ovinos asociada a los títulos reportados para los diferentes serovares, a pesar de no haberse reportado casos clínicos durante el estudio, hace pensar en la presencia del agente en el rebaño, lo que orientaría nuevos estudios tendientes a profundizar en el efecto que tendría en la reproducción.

The research aimed to conduct a serological study on leptospirosis in a sheep flock on the savannah of Bogotá, in order to detect the presence of this agent and to broaden knowledge on its tendency in our field. There were two visits to the farm, one during the dry season (January) and another one in the rainy season (May), to check 250 animals in each season, which were 100 males and 150 females of different races living on the farm. Microscopic agglutination test was used to determine the presence of antibodies to the six serovars that have been identified as the most frequent in Colombia in different domestic species. The results of the study indicated that the most common serovar in sheep was L. interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae, followed by L. interrogans serovar Bratislava, L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo, L. interrogans serovars Canicola, Pomona and Grippotyphosa. The research concluded that, even though there were no clinical cases reported during the study, leptospirosis associated with different serovars in sheep suggests the presence of the agent in the herd; new studies would be necessary to deepen our knowledge on the effect this would have on reproduction.

O objetivo da pesquisa foi realizar um estudo serológico da leptospirose em um rebanho ovino da savana de Bogotá, com o propósito de detectar a presença deste agente e ampliar o conhecimento sobre a sua tendência em nosso meio. Realizaram-se duas visitas à granja, uma durante o período seco (janeiro) e outra na época de chuva (maio), onde se examinaram 250 animais em cada um dos dois períodos, pertencentes a 100 machos e 150 fêmeas de diferentes raças existentes na granja. Avaliou-se a presença de anticorpos contra os seis serovares reconhecidos como os mais frequentes na Colômbia nas diferentes espécies domésticas. A prova utilizada foi a de micro aglutinação. Os resultados obtidos no estudo indicaram que o sorovar mais frequente nos ovinos foi L. interrogans sorovar Icterohaemorrhagiae, seguido por L. interrogans sorovar Bratislava, L. borgpetersenii sorovar Hardj o, L. interrogans serovares Canicola, Pomona e Grippotyphosa. Conclui-se que a leptospirose em ovinos associada aos títulos reportados para os diferentes serovares, apesar do fato de que não se haja reportado casos clínicos durante o estudo, faz pensar na presença do agente no rebanho, o que orientaria novos estudos com tendência a aprofundar no efeito que teria na reprodução.

Paediatric leptospirosis: A population based case–control study from Chennai, India.

The surveillance in Chennai identified 134 children and 443 adults clinically suspected for leptospirosis. Of these, 35 (26.1%) children and 118 (26.6%) adults had laboratory confirmed diagnosis for leptospirosis. The paediatric leptospirosis exhibited a higher frequency of classic features of Weil’s disease. The prevalent serovar encountered was Icterohaemorrhagiae with no difference in the pattern of infecting serovars between the two groups. Further, confirmation of diagnosis was achieved by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a positivity of 28.4% (specificity 96%). Univariate analysis showed significant association of paediatric leptospirosis with rat infestation (odds ratio 87.4). Thus, PCR facilitates early diagnosis of febrile illness among paediatric cases.

Anti- Leptospira spp. antibodies in several animal species on the same farm / Anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. em diversas espécies animais em uma propriedade rural

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that occurs worldwide, affecting pets and livestock that can be a source of infection for humans, considered therefore an important disease in public health. Thus, an investigation was made into the occurrence of anti-Leptospira agglutinins in several animal species on a farm located in the municipality of Uberlândia, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total of 172 blood serum samples were collected from five species: cattle, dogs, goats, horses and sheep. The diagnosis was performed by means of the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), using a collection of 12 live antigens. Of the 172 animals evaluated, 62 (36%) were seroreactive, and the most frequent serovars in each species were: Hardjo (54.54%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (27.27%), and Autumnalis (18.18%) in cattle; Icterohaemorrhagiae (37.5%), Autumnalis (31%), Canicola (18.7%) and Hardjo (12.5%) in dogs; Grippotyphosa (75%) and Hardjo (25%) in goats; Icterohaemorrhagiae (50%), Grippotyphosa (37.5%) and Hardjo (12.5%) in horses, and Hardjo (34.78%); Grippotyphosa (26.08%); Bratislava (17.39%), Autumnalis (17.39%) and Icterohaemorrhagiae (4.4%) in sheep. It is believed that the occurrence of anti-Leptospira agglutinins can be traced back to a source of infection that is common to these species, or that the agent was probably transmitted between them because they live in close proximity to each other.

A leptospirose é uma zoonose de ampla distribuição mundial, que acomete animais de estimação e produção, os quais podem ser fonte de infecção para a espécie humana, considerada, portanto uma relevante doença em saúde pública. Desta forma, objetivou-se investigar a ocorrência de aglutininas anti-Leptospira em diversas espécies animais em uma propriedade rural localizada no Município de Uberlândia-MG. Foram colhidas 172 amostras de soro sanguíneo provenientes de cinco espécies animais: bovinos, caninos, caprinos, equinos e ovinos. Estabeleceu-se o diagnóstico pela técnica de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM) com uma coleção de 12 antígenos vivos. Dos 172 animais avaliados, 62 (36%) foram reagentes, as sorovariedades mais frequentes em cada espécie foram: Hardjo (54,54%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (27,27%), e Autumnalis (18,18%) nos bovinos; Icterohaemorrhagiae (37,5%), Autumnalis (31%), Canicola (18,7%) e Hardjo (12,5%) e nos caninos; Grippothyphosa (75%) e Hardjo (25%) nos caprinos; Icterohaemorrhagiae (50%), Grippothyphosa (37,5%) e Hardjo (12,5%) nos equinos e Hardjo (34,78%); Grippothyphosa (26,08%); Bratislava (17,39%), Autumnalis (17,39%) e Icterohaemorrhagiae (4.4%) nos ovinos. Acredita-se que a ocorrência de aglutininas anti-Leptospira possa estar relacionada com uma fonte de infecção comum para as espécies, ou ainda que a transmissão do agente tenha ocorrido entre espécies animais, provavelmente devido à convivência habitacional próxima.

Evaluación de un panel reducido de cepas de leptospiras para el diagnóstico en humanos por microaglutinación (MAT) / Evaluation of a reduced panel of leptospira strains for microagglutination

Objetivo. Evaluar si el uso del panel de 19 cepas de leptospiras, sugerido por la Sociedad Internacional de Leptospirosis para la microaglutinación (MAT, por sus siglas en inglés), permite mayor confirmación de casos que el de 12 cepas. Material y métodos. Estudio observacional de corte transversal. Se estudiaron 441 muestras de sueros de pacientes de Argentina, derivadas para el diagnóstico de leptospirosis en los periodos de julio de 2009 a diciembre de 2010 y enero a octubre de 2013. Resultados. Se obtuvo el mismo resultado con el panel reducido que con el ampliado. En seis casos resultó presumiblemente infectante algún serovar del panel ampliado, aunque siempre coaglutinando con cepas del reducido. Conclusión. En Argentina, el diagnóstico de leptospirosis por MAT podría continuar realizándose con el panel reducido, lo que reduciría el costo y tiempo de diagnóstico. La información adicional que aportaría el panel ampliado está relacionada con la epidemiología, mediante un mejor conocimiento del serogrupo presumiblemente infectante.

Objective. To evaluate if the use of the 19 Leptospira strains panel suggested by the International Leptospirosis Society of World Health Organization for microagglutination allows confirmation of more cases that the 12 strains panel used in Argentina. Materials and methods. Cross-sectional observational study. We studied 441 serum samples corresponding to Argentinean patients with suspected leptospirosis derived during from July to December, 2009 and from January to October, 2013. Results. The same number of positive samples was obtained using the MAT with the 19 or 12 strains. In six cases a serovar of the expanded collection was presumably infecting, but always coagglutinated with strains of the reduced panel. Conclusion. In Argentina, the diagnosis of leptospirosis by MAT could be made using the reduced 12 strains panel, obtaining the same result in case detection as using the 19 strains panel. Additional information provided by the use of all strains could be the presumably infecting serogroup.

Serologic characterization of Leptospira among rats trapped in selected public markets in Iloilo City, Philippines

OBJECTIVES: Rats have been identified as primary sources of leptospires in the environment. This study aimed to characterize Leptospira species circulating among rats found in public markets in Iloilo City, Philippines.           METHODS: Dark-field microscopy was used to determine leptospire presence in tissue cultures. Isolates from the cultures were characterized via serotyping with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. To characterize the antibodies present in rat sera, the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was used.                                                                            RESULTS: In this study, 19 rats were obtained from 7 markets in Iloilo City. Three(3) rats (15%.8) were found to harbor leptospires in the urinary bladder (2) and kidney (1). Serotyping of the isolates showed that they did not belong to previously reported common serovars in the Philippines such as Manilae, Losbanos, Javanica or Grippotyphosa. Using another panel of polyclonal antibodies, it was shown that the isolates belonged to serovar lcterohaemorrhagiae. The MAT results showed that 16 (84.2%) serum samples were positive for anti-Leptospira antibodies. The most common infecting serovars were Autumnails (47.4%), Pomona (42.1%) Copenhageni (36.8%), and Hebdomadis (31.6%) other infecting serovars identified were lcterohaemorrhagiae, Poi, Grippotyphosa, Patoc, and Pyrogenes.                                                                                                                                                      CONCLUSION: The results of the present study provide baseline data on the circulating leptospiral serovars in iloilo City. Results suggest the possible role of rats in disease transmission in the study areas.

An epidemiological comparative study on diagnosis of rodent leptospirosis in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by leptospires, in which transmission occurs through contact with contaminated biological fluids from infected animals. Rodents can act as a source of infection for humans and animals. The disease has a global distribution, mainly in humid, tropical and sub-tropical regions. The aim of this study was to compare culture assays, the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and nested PCR (n-PCR), for the diagnosis of leptospirosis in rodents in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. METHODS: One hundred fifty-one rodents were trapped alive at 10 locations, and their urine and kidney samples were collected and used for the isolation of live Leptospira. The infecting serovars were identified and the antibody titres were measured by MAT, using a panel of 20 strains of live Leptospira species as antigens. The presence of leptospiral DNA was evaluated in urine and kidney samples using PCR and n-PCR. RESULTS: No live leptospires were isolated from the kidney and urine samples of the rodents. Different detection rates of leptospirosis were observed with MAT (21.2%), PCR (11.3%), and n-PCR (3.3%). The dominant strain was Leptospira serjoehardjo (34.4%, p=0.28), although other serotypes were also found. The prevalence of positive leptospirosis tests in rodents was 15.9, 2.6, and 2.6% among Rattus norvegicus, R. rattus, and Apodemus sylvaticus, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Leptospirosis was prevalent in rodents in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. MAT was able to detect leptospires more frequently than culture or PCR. The kidney was a more suitable site for identifying leptospiral DNA by n-PCR than urine. Culture was not found to be an appropriate technique for clinical diagnosis.

A comparative study on microscopic agglutination test and counterimmunoelectrop- horesis for early detection of human leptospirosis.

Background and Objectives: Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial disease that mimics many diseases; therefore, laboratory confi rmation is pivotal. Though microscopic agglutination test (MAT) is accepted as World Health Organisation (WHO) reference test, it has got many pitfalls such as being hazardous, tedious, cumbersome and expensive. Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) is popularly used for diagnosing many infectious diseases but rarely for Leptospirosis. The aim of this study is to fi nd suitability of CIE for the routine laboratory diagnostic purposes. Materials and Methods: Repeat sampling (paired sera) was possible from 401 subjects of which 181 were in-patients of Salem Government General and Private Hospitals and the remaining 220 MAT negative healthy College students gave their consent for the study. All the 802 sera samples were collected from January 2009 to November 2012 and subjected to the present study. After carrying out MAT and CIE on the suspected and control samples, a comparative evaluation was conducted. McNemars test method was used to fi nd out the signifi cant difference between the two tests in the early diagnosis. Result: The sensitivity, specifi city, Positive Predictive value (PPV), Negative Predictive value (NPV) and Effi ciency test for CIE were 96.80%, 89.28%, 95.23%, 92.59% and 94.47%, respectively. The corresponding values for MAT were 95.90%, 89.83%, 95.08%, 91.37% and 93.92%, respectively. There was no signifi cant difference between MAT and CIE at 95% and 99% confi dence intervals according to McNemars test. P value in the early stage of illness was greater for CIE than MAT when Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used as Gold Standard of diagnosis. Interpretation and conclusion: It was concluded that the CIE could be advantageous over MAT due to its safety, rapidity, simplicity, economic and easy for large number of samples. It can answer little earlier than MAT and found as reliable as that of MAT. Since both the tests had shown similar effi cacies in the later stage of the illness, the importance could be given to CIE due to early diagnosis.