Epidemiological Analysis of Leptospira spp. Infection in Equids from the Brejo Paraibano Microregion of Brazil |
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Authors: | Ruy B de Oliveira Filho Karla C Malta Júnior MB Oliveira Vania L Assis Santana Mabel HV Harrop Danilo T Stipp José W Pinheiro Júnior |
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Institution: | 1. Postgraduate Program in Tropical Animal Science, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil;2. Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, Center for Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Paraiba, Areia, Brazil;3. Laboratory of Infectious and Contagious Diseases, Academic Unity of Garanhuns, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Brazil;4. Division of Bacteriology, National Agricultural Laboratory in Pernambuco, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, Recife, Brazil;5. Department of Veterinary Sciences, Center for Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Paraiba, Areia, Brazil |
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Abstract: | Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that occurs in humans and several animal species, including cattle, pigs, and horses, and it has a worldwide distribution. In equids, leptospirosis manifests through recurrent uveitis and abortion and other reproductive disorders. The objective of the present study was to investigate the epidemiological situation of Leptospira spp. infection in equids from the Brejo Paraibano microregion in the northeast of Brazil, that is, to assess the prevalence of and identify the major risk factors for infection. For this purpose, blood samples were taken from 257 equids (204 horses, 46 mules, and 7 donkeys), and a microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was used as serological analysis, with 24 serovars of Leptospira spp. as antigens. Antibodies were observed in 16.2% of horses, 13.0% of mules, and 28.6% of donkeys. Animals between the ages of 2.5 and 11 years had a risk of infection 0.4 times lower than those younger than 2.5 years old (odds ratio, 0.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.90). Further studies are needed to identify potential wild reservoirs and the main routes of infections. |
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Keywords: | Equids Risk factors Leptospirosis Serology |
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