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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Clin Microbiol / Revisiting genital leptospirosis in large animals: impacts o...
Journal of clinical microbiology2025; 64(3); e0052525; doi: 10.1128/jcm.00525-25

Revisiting genital leptospirosis in large animals: impacts on reproductive health, diagnostic challenges, and future directions.

Abstract: Leptospirosis, caused by spp. infection, is a globally significant zoonotic disease that affects a wide range of animals. Although renal colonization is well-documented, genital infection by leptospires remained less explored for decades, despite its impact on reproduction. Evidence suggests that genital infection occurs as a primary condition rather than secondary to renal colonization, particularly in cattle suffering from bovine genital leptospirosis (BGL), linked to chronic infections by strains of the Sejroe serogroup. In horses, a similar condition is suggested to be associated with strains of serogroup Australis. Molecular studies confirmed the presence of DNA in uterine, follicular, and vaginal samples, strengthening the hypothesis of an independent genital physiopathology. Despite significant advances in molecular diagnostics, the detection of genital carriers remains challenging, requiring refined methodologies beyond standard serology. This review critically examines the historical detection of spp. in genital samples of cattle, small ruminants, swine, and equines, emphasizing its relevance to reproductive health. Moreover, we highlight the limitations of current diagnostic approaches, advocating for increased use of genital samples in leptospirosis research of large animals and shedding light on future directions regarding genital leptospirosis in livestock research. Enhanced understanding and diagnosis of genital leptospirosis will contribute to better livestock reproductive management and disease prevention.
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Publication Date: 2025-12-04 PubMed ID: 41342544PubMed Central: PMC12977509DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00525-25Google 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.

Overview

  • This research article reviews the impact of genital leptospirosis infections in large animals, focusing on its role in reproductive health problems, difficulties in diagnosis, and potential future research directions.

Background on Leptospirosis

  • Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by infection with Leptospira spp.
  • It affects many animal species globally, and is known especially for kidney (renal) colonization by the bacteria.
  • Genital infections by Leptospira have been much less studied compared to renal infections, despite their importance in animal reproduction.

Genital Infection and Its Significance

  • Emerging evidence suggests genital leptospiral infections can occur as a primary infection and not just secondary to kidney colonization.
  • In cattle, bovine genital leptospirosis (BGL) is associated mainly with chronic infections from strains of the Sejroe serogroup.
  • Similar genital infections have been suggested in horses, linked to strains from the Australis serogroup.
  • Molecular biology studies have detected Leptospira DNA in reproductive tract tissues, such as uterine, follicular, and vaginal samples, confirming genital colonization and supporting the idea of genital-specific disease processes.

Diagnostic Challenges

  • Standard serological tests, which detect antibodies against Leptospira, are often inadequate for identifying genital carriers.
  • There is a need for improved and more sensitive diagnostic methods that specifically focus on genital samples to reliably detect infection.
  • Current molecular diagnostic advances offer potential but still face challenges related to sample collection, bacterial load, and intermittent shedding.

Implications for Reproductive Health in Livestock

  • Genital leptospirosis can cause reproductive failures in large animals, impacting productivity and economic outcomes in livestock farming.
  • Recognition of genital infection as a separate and important disease entity underscores the need for targeted management and treatment strategies.
  • Improved diagnostics will facilitate early detection, enabling better reproductive health management and disease control.

Future Directions in Research and Livestock Management

  • The review advocates for increased scientific focus on obtaining and testing genital samples in leptospirosis research for cattle, small ruminants, swine, and equines.
  • Better understanding of the pathology and epidemiology of genital leptospirosis can inform vaccine development and biosecurity measures.
  • Integrating modern molecular methods with traditional epidemiological approaches could enhance detection and surveillance of genital leptospirosis.
  • Ultimately, these advances will support improved animal welfare, reproductive efficiency, and reduced zoonotic risks associated with Leptospira infections.

Cite This Article

APA
Borges ALdSB, Aymée L, Lilenbaum W, Di Azevedo MIN. (2025). Revisiting genital leptospirosis in large animals: impacts on reproductive health, diagnostic challenges, and future directions. J Clin Microbiol, 64(3), e0052525. https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.00525-25

Publication

Journal of clinical microbiology
ISSN: 1098-660X
NlmUniqueID: 7505564
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 64
Issue: 3
Pages: e0052525
PII: e00525-25

Researcher Affiliations

Borges, Ana Luiza Dos Santos Baptista
  • Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Aymée, Luiza
  • Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Lilenbaum, Walter
  • Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Di Azevedo, Maria Isabel Nogueira
  • Laboratory of Investigation in Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Leptospirosis / veterinary
  • Leptospirosis / diagnosis
  • Leptospirosis / microbiology
  • Leptospira / isolation & purification
  • Leptospira / genetics
  • Leptospira / classification
  • Cattle
  • Reproductive Health
  • Horses
  • Female
  • Swine
  • Livestock / microbiology
  • Reproductive Tract Infections / veterinary
  • Reproductive Tract Infections / diagnosis
  • Reproductive Tract Infections / microbiology
  • Cattle Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cattle Diseases / microbiology
  • Genital Diseases, Female / veterinary
  • Genital Diseases, Female / diagnosis
  • Genital Diseases, Female / microbiology
  • Zoonoses / microbiology

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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