Serological studies on leptospirosis in domestic animals in Quebec.

This research studies the presence of leptospirosis, a bacterial zoonotic disease, in domestic animals within the region of Quebec. The study took place over 30 months and found that across a sample of various animals including bovines, pigs, horses, and dogs, a percentage had detectable antibodies against the Leptospira bacteria, indicating exposure to the disease.

Introduction

• Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect both humans and animals. It is caused by a bacteria called Leptospira.
• This study was carried out over a period of 30 months from January 1977 to June 1979 to determine the prevalence of Leptospira bacteria in domestic animals in the region of Quebec.

Methodology

• The researchers collected sera, or blood samples, from different types of domestic animals: 5841 bovine (cattle), 511 porcine (pigs), 20 equine (horses), and eight canine (dogs).
• If Leptospira agglutinins, which are antibodies, were found in the serum it indicated that the animal had been exposed to bacteria.

Results

• Following the study, the sera showed the presence of leptospira antibodies in 355 (6%) bovine sera, 52 (10.1%) porcine sera, one (5%) equine sera, and one (12.5%) canine sera.
• Furthermore, the study identified the specific types of Leptospira bacteria the animals were exposed to. Bovine, porcine and equine sera reacted predominantly with L. pomona. Reactors to L. hardjo/sejroe, L. icterohaemorrhagiae and L. grippotyphosa were also detected in cattle. One porcine serum reacted with L. grippotyphosa, and one canine serum with L. icterohaemorrhagiae.

Conclusion

• This study indicates that leptospirosis was present among the domestic animals that were tested.
• The specific type of Leptospira bacteria varied among different animals, which can lead to different clinical symptoms.