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Home / Equine Research Bank / BMC Vet Res / The panorama of animal leptospirosis in Rio de Janeiro, Braz...
BMC veterinary research2013; 9; 237; doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-9-237

The panorama of animal leptospirosis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, regarding the seroepidemiology of the infection in tropical regions.

Abstract: Leptospirosis is an important disease caused by various serovars of Leptospira sp. It can affect humans as well as domestic and wild animals; therefore, it has importance for public health, animal production, and wild species. The aim of this paper is to discuss the epidemiology of animal leptospirosis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as a possible model for other tropical regions. In several studies conducted in the last 20 years, a total of 47 rats, 120 dogs, 875 cows, 695 horses, 1,343 goats, 308 sheep and 351 pigs from all regions of the state, in addition to 107 wild mammals and 73 golden-lion tamarins were tested (MAT) for anti-Leptospira antibodies. Results: Seroreactivity was frequent in all studied species, confirming that the infection is endemic in Rio de Janeiro. Serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae and Sejroe were the most prevalent in urban and rural scenarios, respectively. This paper reviews the current knowledge on animal leptospirosis in Rio de Janeiro and describes important differences between urban versus rural cycles of the infection in various species. Conclusions: Identification of the prevailing serogroups and their reservoirs is essential for understanding agent-host-environment interactions under tropical conditions.
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Publication Date: 2013-12-01 PubMed ID: 24289165PubMed Central: PMC4220826DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-9-237Google 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.

This research article focuses on the prevalence and impact of leptospirosis in animals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, providing a model for understanding how the disease behaves in other tropical regions around the world.

Research Objective

The primary aim of the research was to examine the epidemiology of animal leptospirosis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. By assessing the spread and prevalence of the disease, the researchers hoped to provide a model for understanding similar patterns in other tropical regions.

Methodology

  • The researchers conducted an extensive study over a period of 20 years.
  • They collected data from a wide range of animal species: 47 rats, 120 dogs, 875 cows, 695 horses, 1,343 goats, 308 sheep, and 351 pigs. The study also included samples from 107 wild mammals and 73 golden-lion tamarins.
  • Each animal was tested for anti-Leptospira antibodies to determine whether it had been exposed to leptospirosis.

Results

  • Seroreactivity (positive response to the antibody test) was common in all species, indicating a high prevalence of leptospirosis in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
  • The specific types of leptospirosis identified varied between urban and rural environments. Icterohaemorrhagiae was commonly found in urban areas, while Sejroe was most prevalent in rural areas.

Conclusions

  • This study confirms the endemic nature of leptospirosis in Rio de Janeiro, impacting all tested species, and distinguishing the different cycles of the disease in various urban and rural species.
  • Identifying the most common serogroups of the disease and their animal reservoirs provides crucial insights into how the disease operates within Rio de Janeiro’s specific ecological conditions. This knowledge is relevant for the management of the disease and can possibly be applied as a model for other tropical regions.

Cite This Article

APA
Martins G, Lilenbaum W. (2013). The panorama of animal leptospirosis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, regarding the seroepidemiology of the infection in tropical regions. BMC Vet Res, 9, 237. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-6148-9-237

Publication

BMC veterinary research
ISSN: 1746-6148
NlmUniqueID: 101249759
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 9
Pages: 237

Researcher Affiliations

Martins, Gabriel
  • Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. mipwalt@vm.uff.br.
Lilenbaum, Walter

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Brazil / epidemiology
    • Cattle / microbiology
    • Disease Reservoirs / microbiology
    • Dogs / microbiology
    • Goats / microbiology
    • Horses / microbiology
    • Leontopithecus / microbiology
    • Leptospira / physiology
    • Leptospirosis / epidemiology
    • Leptospirosis / veterinary
    • Prevalence
    • Rats / microbiology
    • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data
    • Seroepidemiologic Studies
    • Sheep / microbiology
    • Swine / microbiology
    • Tropical Climate
    • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data

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