Seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Italian horses.

The research paper is about the investigation into the prevalence of particular bacteria, Leptospira spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, in the horse population of central Italy. The researchers found minor occurrence of Leptospira and significantly higher prevalence of B. burgdorferi antibodies, with older horses showing greater rates.

Objective of the Study

• The research aimed to determine the seroprevalence (the level of a pathogen in a population, as measured in blood serum) of Leptospira spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in horses from central Italy. These bacteria can cause various diseases in horses.

Methodology Used

• The study was conducted between 2007 and 2009 and involved testing the sera (a component of blood) of 386 horses.
• The samples were tested using a Microagglutination Test (MAT) to detect antibodies for Leptospira spp.
• Eight different types of Leptospira, known as serovars, were used as antigens in this test.
• All sera were also tested with an Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) to detect antibodies for B. burgdorferi s.l.

Results of the Study

• Results showed a 1.5% seroprevalence for Leptospira, with specific positive results for three of the serovars: Icterohaemorrhagiae, Bratislava, and Pomona.
• The detection of B. burgdorferi s.l. antibodies was much higher, at 24.3%. The titer (concentration) of these antibodies ranged from 1:64 to 1:1,024, depending on the horse.
• It was noted that horses aged over ten had a significantly higher seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. antibodies compared to younger horses.
• No significant differences were observed in the mean seroprevalence across the years of the study.
• The prevalence of these antibodies seemed to be linked to environmental conditions, hinting at potential factors like climate, water sources and wildlife that may influence bacterial transference.

Conclusion

• The study did not find any cross-reactions between Leptospira and Borrelia, meaning the presence of one did not significantly influence the presence or detection of the other.
• This was the first research of its type investigating antibodies to B. burgdorferi s.l. in the Italian horse population.