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Home / Equine Research Bank / Aust Vet J / Leptospiral infection in domestic mares in North Queensland.
Australian veterinary journal2024; 103(1-2); 63-65; doi: 10.1111/avj.13395

Leptospiral infection in domestic mares in North Queensland.

Abstract: Leptospira species are found worldwide, favouring tropical regions, and infect a wide range of animal species. Although renal persistence in infected individuals and excretion in urine is thought to be the primary mechanism of disease transmission, recent reports have suggested that persistence in the reproductive tract may be a feature in certain species, including the horse. The aim of this study was to investigate leptospiral infection, particularly within the reproductive tract, in healthy, non-breeding mares. Serum and endometrial swab samples were collected from 50 mares from the James Cook University Teaching Animal Herd, as well as, where possible, free-catch urine (n = 19). Sera were screened for antibodies to 24 Leptospira serovars, using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Endometrial and urine samples underwent real-time PCR testing, targeting the leptospiral rrs gene. Overall, the seroprevalence of leptospirosis was 48% (95% CI: 34%-62%), with serovars Arborea, Bratislava and Australis detected most frequently. PCR positive results were obtained from 1 of 50 (2%) endometrial swabs and 2 of 19 (11%) urine samples. This is the first report of serovar Bratislava in horses in Australia.
© 2024 Australian Veterinary Association.
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Publication Date: 2024-11-29 PubMed ID: 39611368DOI: 10.1111/avj.13395Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research conducted explores the prevalence of leptospirosis, particularly within the reproductive tracts, in healthy, non-breeding mares in North Queensland. The findings revealed frequent occurrence of specific serovars and suggested urine excretion and reproductive tract persistence as primary disease carriers.

Research Objective

  • The main aim of this research was to investigate the incidence and characteristics of leptospiral infection in healthy, non-breeding mares with an emphasis on the reproductive system. The hope was to shed light on the primary modes of disease transmission and further inform disease management and prevention strategies.

Sample and Data Collection

  • Serum and endometrial swab samples were collected from 50 mares from the James Cook University Teaching Animal Herd, and urine samples were also collected from 19 mares.
  • The serum samples were screened for antibodies against 24 different serovars of Leptospira, enabling the researchers to identify the specific strains of the bacteria prevalent in the horses.
  • In addition to serological testing, molecular genetics testing through real-time PCR was performed on endometrial and urine samples which targeted the leptospiral rrs gene.

Key Findings

  • According to the findings, the overall prevalence of leptospirosis was 48% with a 95% confidence interval between 34%-62%.
  • The serovars Arborea, Bratislava, and Australis were found to be the most frequently detected.
  • PCR tests yielded positives results in 2% of the endometrial swabs and 11% of the urine samples.
  • Though the prevalence of serovar Bratislava was not unexpected, it represents the first report of its presence in Australian horses.

Significance

  • The findings contribute new insights into the prevalence and diversity of leptospiral infections in horses in Australia. This type of information can be vital for preventive health strategies, disease management, and public health policies.
  • Furthermore, the study provides valuable evidence on the probable persistence of Leptospira sp. in the reproductive tract and its potential as a disease transmission mechanism in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Alayil AL, Horwood PF, Gummow B, Picard JA, Joone CJ. (2024). Leptospiral infection in domestic mares in North Queensland. Aust Vet J, 103(1-2), 63-65. https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13395

Publication

Australian veterinary journal
ISSN: 1751-0813
NlmUniqueID: 0370616
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 103
Issue: 1-2
Pages: 63-65

Researcher Affiliations

Alayil, A L
  • Discipline of Veterinary Science, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia.
Horwood, P F
  • Discipline of Veterinary Science, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia.
  • Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia.
Gummow, B
  • Discipline of Veterinary Science, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia.
  • Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.
Picard, J A
  • Discipline of Veterinary Science, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia.
Joone, C J
  • Discipline of Veterinary Science, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Leptospirosis / veterinary
  • Leptospirosis / epidemiology
  • Leptospirosis / microbiology
  • Female
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / microbiology
  • Leptospira / isolation & purification
  • Queensland / epidemiology
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
  • Agglutination Tests / veterinary
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary

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This article includes 20 references
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