Antibodies against Leptospira spp. in bovine serum samples from several Brazilian states analyzed in the period from 2007 to 2015 / [Anticorpos contra Leptospira spp. em amostra de soro bovino de diversos estados brasileiros analisados no período entre 2007 e 2015]

Bovine leptospirosis assumes great economic importance since it affects several production aspects. Therefore, knowledge about the occurrence and distribution of this disease is fundamental to adopt the correct prevention measures. The present study aimed to evaluate the frequency of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in 24,483 bovine serum samples received between 2007 to 2015 from 21 Brazilian states. Of these, 8,643 (35.3%) were reagents in the microscopic agglutination test to one or more serovars of Leptospira spp. The most frequent serovars were Wolffi (61.47%), Tarassovi (9.62%) and Pomona (7.20%). Hardjo serovar presented a prevalence of 6.27%. Among the 21 states analyzed, the State of Pernambuco had the highest frequency with 88.24% and the State of São Paulo was the origin of the largest number of analyzed samples (13,838), with a frequency of 31.54% of reagents. The results demonstrate a high exposure to several serovars of Leptospira spp. in bovine species in Brazilian states, showing the importance of adopting prophylactic measures in order to reduce the risk of infection in this specie.(AU)

Com o objetivo de avaliar a frequência de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp., foram analisadas 24.483 amostras de soro sanguíneo bovino, provenientes de 21 estados brasileiros, recebidas no período de 2007 a 2015. Destas, 8.643 (35,3%) foram reagentes no teste de soroaglutinação microscópica a uma ou mais sorovariedades de Leptospira spp., e as sorovariedades com maior frequência foram Wolffi (61,47%), Tarassovi (9,62%) e Pomona (7,20%). A sorovariedade Hardjo apresentou prevalência de 6,27%. Entre os 21 estados analisados, o estado de Pernambuco apresentou a maior frequência, com 88,24%, e o estado de São Paulo foi a origem do maior número de amostras para análise, 13.838, com frequência de 31,54% de reagentes.(AU)

Lymphocyte proliferative responses in dairy cows supplemented with an immunomodulatory feed additive and administered polyvalent vaccination / [Proliferação de linfócitos em vacas leiteiras suplementadas com um aditivo alimentar imunomodulador e vacinadas com vacina polivalente]

O presente estudo avaliou o efeito da suplementação com OmniGen-AF® na proliferação de linfócitos e títulos de anticorpos após vacinação em bovinos leiteiros. Amostras de sangue periférico foram coletadas de 32 vacas leiteiras para quantificação dos títulos de anticorpos anti-Leptospira, e amostras de sangue periférico de 16 vacas leiteiras foram também coletadas para avaliação da proliferação de linfócitos. Observou-se que a suplementação com OmniGen-AF® aumentou a proliferação basal de linfócitos (sem estímulos) 21 dias após a vacinação (P=0,03), apesar de reduzir a proliferação de linfócitos B quando estimulada com Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo inativada pelo calor (P=0,03). Ademais, nenhum efeito da suplementação sobre a proliferação de linfócitos no momento imediatamente anterior à vacinação e nos títulos de anticorpos anti-Leptospira foi encontrado. Além disso, a proliferação de linfócitos estimulada com lipopolissacarídeos foi maior em vacas multíparas que em primíparas 21 dias após a vacinação (P=0,03). Desse modo, o presente estudo demonstra que a suplementação com OmniGen-AF® não afetou de forma robusta a proliferação de linfócitos e os títulos de anticorpos anti-Leptospira após vacinação em vacas leiteiras sadias.(AU)

Seroprevalencia de leptospirosis en grupos humanos en riesgo por factores ambientales, laborales o sociales / Seroprevalence of leptospirosis in human groups at risk due to environmental, labor or social conditions

Abstract Leptospirosis is important in Uruguay due to the economic loss caused by the diseases of production animals, mainly bovines, and also due to frequent human infection. We decided to study anti-Leptospira antibodies in the sera of dairy workers, rice laborers, veterinarians, suburban slum dwellers and garbage recyclers. Our aims were to estimate the seroprevalence of infection by Leptospira spp. in these people at risk, the relative importance of the known risk factors associated with infection, and the impact of human infections in each setting. Groups at risk were identified and 35 visits to their locations were made, conducting field surveys and exchange talks for information and education. Simple epidemiological questionnaires were administered and sera samples were taken from 308 persons. The microagglutination Technique (MAT) and the IgM Indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF) assay were employed to detect antibodies. Environmental water samples, canine and equine sera were also examined. More than 45% of human sera were reactive and the studied groups were confirmed to be widely exposed to infection. Female sera were frequently reactive, though most illnesses occur in men, and the most severe cases in elderly males; the emergence and evolution of the disease may strongly depend on the host condition and functions. Animal contact and unsafe water usage were the main identified risk factors to be considered in prevention. Fifty per cent of the studied horses showed a positive MAT reaction. The underdiagnosis of the illness and its long-term symptoms require further study, as well as greater health and social attention efforts.

Resumen La leptospirosis es importante en Uruguay por las pérdidas económicas que ocasionan las enfermedades en los animales de producción, principalmente en los bovinos, y a causa de la frecuente infección humana. Decidimos estudiar anticuerpos anti -Leptospira en trabajadores de tambo y de plantaciones de arroz, así como en veterinarios, habitantes de asentamientos y recicladores de residuos. Buscamos evaluar la importancia de distintos factores de riesgo conocidos asociados con la infección por Leptospira spp., y estimar la frecuencia y el impacto de las infecciones humanas en la población expuesta. Se efectuaron 35 visitas a colectivos de riesgo, realizando relevamientos de campo e intercambios educativos, llenando formularios epidemiológicos sencillos y tomando muestras de sangre a 308 personas. Se investigaron anticuerpos séricos con técnicas de microaglutinación (MAT) e inmunofluorescencia indirecta para IgM. Se examinaron también, muestras de agua ambiental, y sueros caninos y equinos. Más del 45% de los sueros humanos fueron reactivos y se confirmó que los grupos estudiados estaban ampliamente expuestos a la infección. Los sueros de mujeres fueron frecuentemente reactivos, aunque la mayoría de las enfermedades ocurren en varones, y los casos más graves en varones añosos. La emergencia y la evolución de la afección pueden depender fuertemente del estado del huésped y su respuesta. El contacto con animales y el uso de agua insegura fueron los principales factores de riesgo identificados para considerar en la prevención. El 50% de los sueros equinos fueron reactivos por MAT. Es necesario incrementar los esfuerzos de atención social y sanitaria en estos sectores, superar el subdiagnóstico y estudiar la evolución y la sintomatología a largo plazo de los pacientes.

Epidemiological relevance of dogs for the prevention of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Leptospira spp / Relevância epidemiológica de cães para a prevenção de Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum e Leptospira spp

Abstract This study evaluated the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Leptospira spp. in dogs from Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil. Indirect immunofluorescent antibody test was used to detect antibodies anti-T.gondii and anti-N. caninum. Immunoenzymatic assay and microscopic serum agglutination were used for screening antibodies anti-T.gondii and anti-Leptospira spp., respectively. The results were: 67.02% of the samples reactive for T.gondii and 1.38% for N. caninum, both without statistically significant variables. For Leptospira spp. the results indicated seroprevalence of 23.11%. The analysis of the variables without distinction of serovar showed association for intrinsic characteristics as breed, age, nutritional status and dog category. The extrinsic variables as city region and access to the street presented association (p<0.05). The most prevalent serovars were: Canicola 59.47%; Bratislava 13.07% and Butembo 15.68%. Variables that make up the adjusted multiple analysis model using Leptospira spp. were: age, breed and nutritional status; serovar Canicola, sex, nutritional status and area (p<0.05); serovar Bratislava, lymphadenomegaly and presence of fleas (p<0.05). Given the results obtained, dogs can be used as sentinels for toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis in Foz do Iguaçu and other cities with similar outcomes. In addition, preventive measures should be taken by health authorities because they are zoonoses and humans are also at risk.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a soroprevalência de Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum e Leptospira spp. em cães de Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brasil. O teste de imunofluorescência indireta foi utilizado para detectar anticorpos anti-T. gondii e anti-N. caninum. Ensaio imunoenzimático e soroaglutinação microscópica foram utilizados para pesquisa de anticorpos anti-T. gondii e anti-Leptospira spp., respectivamente. Os resultados obtidos foram: 67,02% (435/649) das amostras reativas para T. gondii e, 1,38% (9/649) para N. caninum, ambas com ausência de variáveis significativas estatisticamente. Para Leptospira spp. os resultados indicaram soroprevalência de 23,11% (153/649). A análise das variáveis sem distinção de sorovar mostraram associação para caraterísticas intrísecas como raça, idade, estado nutricional e categoria de cães. Para as variáveis extrínsecas, a região da cidade e ter acesso à rua mostraram associação estatística (p<0,05). Os sorovares mais prevalentes foram: Canicola com 59,47% (91/153); Bratislava 13,07% (20/153) e Butembo 15,68% (24/153). As variáveis que compõem o modelo de análise multivariada ajustada usando como desfecho Leptospira spp. foram: idade, raça, estado nutricional e área. Para o sorovar Canicola, as variáveis significantes (p<0,05) foram sexo, estado nutricional e área; para o sorovar Bratislava, as variáveis significantes (p<0,05) foram linfadenomegalia e presença de pulgas. Dos resultados obtidos, cães podem ser usados como sentinelas para infecção por T. gondii e Leptospira spp. na cidade de Foz do Iguaçu e em outras cidades com desfechos similares. Além disso, medidas preventivas devem ser tomadas pelas autoridades de saúde, pois são zoonoses e os seres humanos também estão em risco.

Incidencia y subregistro de casos de leptospirosis diagnosticados con tres métodos diferentes en Urabá, Colombia / Incidence and underreporting of leptospirosis comparing three diagnostic methods in the endemic region of Urabá, Colombia

Resumen Introducción. La leptospirosis representa un problema de salud pública y es una causa importante de morbimortalidad en la región de Urabá, cuya notificación se ve afectada por las deficiencias en el diagnóstico. Objetivo. Establecer la incidencia de la leptospirosis en los municipios del llamado 'eje bananero' de la región de Urabá, documentar la magnitud del subregistro y proponer orientaciones para el diagnóstico por laboratorio por parte de la red de salud pública. Materiales y métodos. Se compararon dos fuentes de información sobre la leptospirosis: el sistema oficial nacional de vigilancia y un estudio transversal de 479 pacientes febriles, llevado a cabo entre abril de 2010 y mayo de 2012. El diagnóstico se hizo con base en tres pruebas: inmunofluorescencia indirecta, microaglutinación y hemocultivo. La exhaustividad de cada fuente de información se estimó mediante el método de captura y recaptura. Resultados. El 58 % (278/479) de los pacientes fueron positivos para leptospirosis, por lo menos, en una de las pruebas y, el 10,43 % (29/278), en las tres. La inclusión de una cepa nativa en el panel de la prueba de microaglutinación aumentó el porcentaje de positividad en 15 %. La tasa acumulada de incidencia fue de 66,5 por 100.000 habitantes y la proporción de letalidad fue de 2,15 %. El subregistro de la morbilidad por leptospirosis en la región de Urabá, fue de 27,8 % y, el de la mortalidad, de 66,6 %. Conclusión. El subregistro de leptospirosis en la región reitera la necesidad de usar más de una prueba diagnóstica para identificar Leptospira spp. en pacientes de zonas endémicas. Este subregistro podría ser una situación común en todo el país.

Abstract Introduction: Leptospirosis represents a public health problem and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the region of Urabá. However, its notification reveals diagnostic limitations. Objective: To establish the incidence of leptospirosis in the municipalities of the so-called eje bananero in the Urabá region, to describe the magnitude of underreporting, and to propose guidelines for laboratory diagnosis by the public health network. Materials and methods: Two leptospirosis information sources were used: The national official surveillance system and a cross-sectional study of 479 acute-phase patients from April, 2010, to May, 2012. The diagnosis was made using three different tests: Indirect immunofluorescence, microagglutination test, and blood cultures. The exhaustiveness percentage of each information source was calculatedusing thecapture and recapture test. Results: From the total number of cases, 58% (278/479) were positive for leptospirosis at least by a test and 10.43% (29/278) of cases were positive by all three methods. The inclusion of a native strain in the microagglutination test panel increased the percentage of positivity by 15%. The cumulative incidence rate was 66.5/100,000 inhabitants and the case fatality ratio was 2.15%. The underreporting rates of leptospirosis in the Urabá region were 27.8% in morbidity and 66.6% in mortality. Conclusion: Under-registration of leptospirosis in the region highlights the necessity to use more than one diagnostic test to identify Leptospira in patients from endemic areas. Under-registration could be a common situation throughout the country.

Coxiella burnetii associated with BVDV (Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus), BoHV (Bovine Herpesvirus), Leptospira spp, Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Trypanosoma vivax in reproductive disorders in cattle / Coxiella burnetii associada ao BVDV (Vírus da Diarreia Viral Bovina), BoHV (Vírus do Herpes Bovino), Leptospira spp, Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii e Trypanosoma vivax em distúrbios reprodutivos em bovinos

Abstract This is a cross-sectional study to assess the presence of antibodies in ruminants against selected pathogens associated with reproductive disorders in cattle in four Brazilian states, including the zoonotic agent Coxiella burnetii. The used tests were Virus Neutralization Assay for IBR and BVD, Microscopic Agglutination Test for Leptospira spp., Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) for C. burnetii and Toxoplasma gondii, and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Neospora caninum and Trypanosoma vivax. Seropositivity for C. burnetii was 13.7% with titers from 128 to 131,072; 57.8% for BoHV-1, with titers between 2 and 1,024; 47.1% for BVDV-1a, with titers from 10 to 5,120; 89.2% for N. caninum; 50% for T. vivax; and 52.0% for Leptospira spp., with titers between 100 to 800 (the following serovars were found: Tarassovi, Grippotyphosa, Canicola, Copenhageni, Wolffi, Hardjo, Pomona and Icterohaemorrhagiae); 19.6% for T. gondii with titer of 40. This is the first study that has identified C. burnetii in cattle associated with BoHV and BVDV, N. caninum, Leptospira spp., T. gondii and T. vivax. Thus, future studies should be conducted to investigate how widespread this pathogen is in Brazilian cattle herds.

Resumo Este é um estudo transversal para avaliar a presença de anticorpos em ruminantes contra patógenos selecionados e associados a distúrbios reprodutivos em bovinos de quatro estados brasileiros, incluindo o agente zoonótico Coxiella burnetii. Os testes utilizados foram Teste de Vírus-Neutralização para BoHV e BVDV, teste de Aglutinação Microscópica para Leptospira spp., Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta for C. burnetii e Toxoplasma gondii, e Ensaio de Imunoabsorção Enzimática para Neospora caninum e Trypanosoma vivax. A soropositividade para C. burnetii foi de 13,7% com títulos de 128 a 131.072; 57,8% para BoHV-1, com títulos entre 2 a 1.024; 47,1% para BVDV-1a, com títulos de 10 a 5.120; 89,2% para N. caninum; 50% para T. vivax; e 52,0% para Leptospira spp., com títulos entre 100 a 800 (sorovares encontrados: Tarassovi, Grippotyphosa, Canicola, Copenhageni, Wolffi, Hardjo, Pomona e Icterohaemorrhagiae) 19,6% para T. gondii com título de 40. Este é o primeiro estudo que evidencia a participação de C. burnetii em bovinos associada ao Vírus da Rinotraqueíte bovina infecciosa e da diarreia viral bovina, N. caninum, Leptospira spp., T. gondii e T. vivax em bovinos. Desta forma, futuros estudos devem ser conduzidos a fim de investigar o quão disseminado se encontra este patógeno em rebanhos bovinos brasileiros.

Occurrence of serological reactions for serogroup Sejroe (CTG and Prajtino) in female buffalo in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in female buffalo in the state of Pernambuco. A total of 123 female buffalo blood samples were collected from five properties distributed in the state of Pernambuco. The microscopic agglutination test was used to study anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies. The occurrence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies was 28.5% (35/123; CI 20.7-37.3%) and on different properties, the occurrence ranged from 28.6% to 80.0%, with 100% of the properties showing animals with positive results. The serovars of the serogroup Sejroe with a higher incidence were Hardjoprajtino (CTG strain, 49.1%) and Hardjo (Prajtino genotype, 43.2%), followed by serogroup Grippotyphosa with the Grippotyphosa serovar (3.9%), serogroup Pomona with the Pomona serovar (1.9%), and the Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar Copenhageni (1.9%). This was the first record of the occurrence of anti-Lepstospira spp. antibodies in female buffalo in the state of Pernambuco. Control measures are necessary to prevent health and economic losses, given that the agent involved affects animal reproduction, triggering drops in conception rates or even clinical cases of abortion.

Efficacy of leptospiral commercial vaccines on the protection against an autochtonous strain recovered in Brazil

Abstract In swine and bovines, leptospirosis prevention and control is carried out via vaccination of susceptible animals using bacterins. However, the efficiency of leptospirosis vaccines has been questioned. This work aimed to investigate the potency of five leptospirosis vaccines sold commercially in Brazil, challenging the animals with one autochthonous strain of Leptospira, Canicola serovar, denoted LO4, isolated from swine. The standard protocol was followed, and renal carriers of Leptospira were identified among the surviving animals by culture and PCR. Of the five vaccines tested, only two proved effective. None of the surviving animals was positive by culture; however, one animal was positive by PCR. Three of the five vaccines sold commercially in Brazil for the immunization of swine or bovines failed the test of the efficacy to protect the vaccinated animals following challenge with an autochthonous Leptospira strain, Canicola serovar. The two vaccines provided protection against the renal carrier state in the surviving animals. The criteria used to produce leptospirosis bacterins sold commercially in Brazil must be reviewed. The industry should support researches on leptospiral vaccinology to improve the quality of the present vaccines and discover new immunogenic strains, because it is known that vaccination is one of the most important tools to increase the reproduction rates in livestock.

Detection of antibodies against Leptospira spp in free-living marsupials caught in the Eastern Amazon

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Serological surveys are important to assess the health status of wild animals. In this study, antibodies against Leptospira spp, causal agents of leptospirosis, were detected in free-living marsupials in the State of Pará, Brazil. METHODS: Nineteen blood samples collected from marsupials in the municipalities of Peixe-Boi, Viseu, and Castanhal were subjected to microscopic agglutination tests. RESULTS: In total, 36.8% (7/19) of samples were positive, and two exhibited co-agglutination. The most frequent serovars were Icterohaemorrhagiae (60%; 3/5), Panama (20%; 1/5), and Nupezo (20%; 1/5). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-Leptospira spp antibodies currently circulate in free-living marsupials in Northeastern Pará.

Serological and molecular detection of leptospira spp in dogs

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to detect anti-Leptospira spp antibodies and Leptospira DNA in domestic dogs. METHODS: Blood and urine from 106 dogs were evaluated by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. RESULTS: Six (5.7%) and one (1%) animals were positive by MAT and PCR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results show a low prevalence of infection by Leptospira spp. The absence of positive results for the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup indicates the small relevance of these dogs as sources of human leptospirosis.

Análise sociodemográfica e ambiental para ocorrência de anticorpos antiLeptospira em cães de Teresina, Piauí, Brasil / Sociodemographic and environmental analysis for the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in dogs of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil

Resumo A leptospirose é uma zoonose mundial cuja transmissão está interligada por múltiplos fatores na interface homem-animal-ecossistema. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar os fatores de risco para a ocorrência de anticorpos antiLeptospira em cães na capital Teresina (PI), e determinar sua distribuição espacial. Amostras sanguíneas de 558 cães foram submetidas à prova de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM). Aplicou-se questionários semiestruturados para os proprietários dos cães e obteve-se a localização geográfica da residência para a sua projeção em mapas geográficos. A soroprevalência foi de 13,8%, no qual o sorogrupo mais frequente foi o Icterohaemorrhagiae com 49,2%. Foram considerados fatores de risco os cães com acesso à rua, o não recolhimento da vasilha de alimento e a baixa renda dos proprietários. Foi observado maior número de cães soropositivos no período chuvoso com 87,1%, sendo um possível fator de risco para a ocorrência de casos. A distribuição dos cães soropositivos na cidade se apresentou de forma dispersa, com predominância dos casos em área antropizada. Esses fatores de risco favorecem a ocorrência de anticorpos antiLeptospiraem cães, os quais podem ser fontes de manutenção do agente na cidade e reforça a necessidade de vigilância epidemiológica e ambiental na prevenção da leptospirose.

Abstract Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis whose transmission is interlinked by multiple factors in the man-animal-ecosystem interface. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in dogs in the capital Teresina (PI), and to determine their spatial distribution. Five hundred fifty-eight dog blood samples were submitted to the Microscopic Serum Agglutination (MSA) test. We applied semi-structured questionnaires to dog owners and obtained the area of residence for projection in geographical maps. Serum prevalence was 13.8%, in which the most common serovar was icterohaemorrhagiae, with 49.2%. Dogs with street access, failure to collect food bowl and low income of owners were risk factors. There was a higher number of seropositive dogs in the rainy season, with 87.1%, which is a probable risk factor for the occurrence of cases. The distribution of seropositive dogs was widely spread in the city, with predominance of cases in anthropized areas. These risk factors favor the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in dogs that are agent maintenance sources in the city and reinforce the need for epidemiological and environmental surveillance to prevent leptospirosis.

Serosurvey of Leptospira spp. and Toxoplasma gondii in rats captured from two zoos in Southern Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) are zoonotic reservoirs for Leptospira spp. and Toxoplasma gondii, and influence diseases in urban areas. METHODS: Free-ranging and laboratory-raised rats from two zoos in southern Brazil were tested for Leptospira spp. and T. gondii using microscopic agglutination and modified agglutination tests, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, 25.6% and 4.6% free-ranging rats tested positive for Leptospira spp. and T. gondii, respectively, with co-seropositivity occurring in two animals. For laboratory-raised rats, 20% tested positive for Leptospira spp. Also, Leptospira biflexa serovar Patoc and Leptospira noguchii serovar Panama were found. CONCLUSIONS: Serosurveys can show the environmental prevalence of zoonotic pathogens.

Human leptospirosis: occurrence of serovars of Leptospira spp. in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 2008 to 2012

Abstract Background: Leptospirosis is an infectious and acute disease caused by Leptospira spp. that have high epidemic potential. This study verified the main Leptospira spp. serovars detected by MAT from serum of patients with suspicion of leptospirosis from 2008 to 2012 in Minas Gerais State. Methods: The laboratory received sera from 4654 patients. All serum were screened by IgM-ELISA according to the manufacturer's instructions. Each sample reactive or indeterminate were tested against twenty-four serovars of Leptospira by MAT. Results: In this study, 597 patients were classified as reactive on MAT. Only 301 patients were confirmed by laboratory test. It was not possible confirmation by laboratory diagnosis of 296 patients. Among the samples classified as reactive on MAT, 273 patients exhibited titers bigger than 800 for one or more serovars; seroconversion was detected in 28 cases. Percentage of 85.1% of the samples reactive on MAT corresponded to males, 39.4% corresponded to patients aged between 20 and 39 years old. The most common serovars found were Icterohaemorrhagiae, Andamana, Patoc, Tarassovi, Copenhageni, Hardjo and Australis. Concerning the samples that exhibited titers bigger than 800, serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae was also the most common, followed by Copenhageni, Andamana, Patoc, Tarassovi, Grippotyphosa and Canicola. In this study, 40% of the cases occurred to the metropolitan area, state capital and 34 neighboring towns. Conclusion: Our results show the possibly spreading serovars in Minas Gerais State and contribute to knowledge of human leptospirosis, aiming at improving the prevention, control of the disease, as well as the treatment of infected patients.

Molecular and serological characterization of Leptospira kirschneri serogroup Pomona isolated from a human case in a Brazilian rural area

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Leptospirosis is an important health concern in Brazil. Currently, information on the epidemiology of the disease in the rural areas of the country is lacking. METHODS: Serological and molecular techniques were used to characterize a clinical isolate of Leptospira. RESULTS: The strain CLEP 00060, isolated from a 59-year-old man in a rural area of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, was identified as belonging to L. kirschneri serogroup Pomona serovar Mozdok. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to the local epidemiological knowledge of leptospirosis, prevention of the disease by vaccines, and improvements in its diagnosis.

Serosurvey of anti- Leptospira sp. and anti- Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in capybaras and collared and white-lipped peccaries

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Brazilian native species are reemerging as increasingly free-ranging populations. METHODS: Sera from 31 capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) and 28 peccaries (Pecari tajacu and Tayassu pecari) were tested for anti-Leptospira and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using microscopic seroagglutination test. RESULTS: Nineteen percent of free-ranging and 10.0% of captive capybaras, along with 31.8% of collared peccaries, were seropositive for T. gondii. None was seropositive for Leptospira sp. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings indicated low risk of disease, particularly among capybaras and white-lipped peccaries; however, active surveillance programs are important for monitoring wildlife health and public health once they are in public parks around cities.

Avaliação do padrão sazonal da infecção assintomática por leptospira spp e das formas grave da leptospirose / Evaluation of syndecan-4 expression and its role as biomarkers in chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy

INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVO: A leptospirose é uma zoonose, causada pela bactéria Leptospira, de ampla distribuição e elevado impacto à saúde humana. As epidemias de leptospirose no Brasil acontecem a cada ano em áreas urbanas durante o período de chuvas sazonais. Porém não existem estudos que avaliem se as formas assintomáticas e/ou subclínicas seguem este padrão estacional relacionado a precipitação. O objetivo deste trabalho é determinar a incidência de infecção assintomática e de leptospirose grave durante diferentes períodos de precipitação em Salvador. METODOLOGIA: Realizamos cinco inquéritos sorológicos estacionais em uma coorte com 3176 habitantes na comunidade de Pau da Lima, Salvador – Bahia, para identificar infecções assintomáticas por Leptospira spp (2013-2015)...

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Introduction and aim: Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by Leptospira bacteria, and has a wide distribution with a high impact to human health. Outbreaks of leptospirosis in Brazil occur each year in urban areas during the rainy season. However, there are no studies to assess whether the asymptomatic and/or subclinical follow this seasonal pattern related to precipitation. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of asymptomatic infection and severe leptospirosis. during different periods of rainfall in Salvador. METHODOLOGY: We conducted five seasonal serosurveys in a cohort of 3176 inhabitants in the community of Pau da Lima, Salvador-Bahia to identify asymptomatic infections by Leptospira (2013-2015)...

Occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Leptospira spp. antibodies in opossums (Didelphis spp.) in São Paulo State, Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii, anti-Neospora caninum e antiLeptospira spp. em gambás (Didelphis spp.) no estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Opossum (Didelphis spp.) is an omnivorous marsupial native to the Americas that shows synanthropic behavior in urban areas. Despite its proximity to domestic animals and humans, knowledge of its participation in the epidemiology of some zoonotic agents is substantial. This study aimed to determine the presence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora spp. and Leptospira spp. in blood samples collected from opossums in 18 municipalities in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, between 2003 and 2008. Blood samples from 343 opossums: Didelphis aurita (n = 256) and Didelphis albiventris (n = 87) were obtained. These were tested to detect antibodies against T. gondii, using the modified agglutination test (MAT-Toto; cutoff ≥ 25); Neospora spp., using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT; cutoff ≥ 25); and Leptospira spp., using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT-Lepto; cutoff ≥ 100). Frequency of anti-T. gondii, Neospora spp. and Leptospira spp. antibodies were in 22.7%, 1.5% and 3.5%, respectively. The serogroups-serovars of Leptospira spp. presenting positive MAT-Lepto reactions were: AutumnalisButembo; Mini-Mini; Ballum-Castellonis; Icterohaemorrhagiae-Icterohaemorrhagiae; Icterohaemorrhagiae-Copenhageni and Grippotyphosa-Grippotyphosa or Bananal. This study demonstrated that these zoonotic agents are circulating in opossum populations in the state of São Paulo. Therefore, investigations regarding the role of marsupials in the epidemiology of each of these diseases should be conducted, especially to understand the behavior of these animals as zoonosis maintenance hosts.(AU)

O gambá (Didelphis spp.) é um marsupial onívoro nativo das Américas que apresenta comportamento sinantrópico em áreas urbanas. Apesar da sua proximidade com animais domésticos e o homem, o conhecimento da sua participação na epidemiologia de alguns agentes zoonóticos é fundamental. Este estudo objetivou determinar a presença de anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora spp. e Leptospira spp. em amostras de sangue colhidas de gambás de 18 municípios do estado de São Paulo, Brasil, entre 2003 e 2008. Foram obtidas amostras sanguíneas de 343 gambás: Didelphis aurita (n = 256) e Didelphis albiventris (n = 87). As amostras foram testadas para detecção de anticorpos contra T. gondii, utilizando o teste de aglutinação modificado (TAM-Toxo; ponto de corte ≥ 25); Neospora spp., utilizando a reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI; ponto de corte ≥ 25); e Leptospira spp., utilizando a soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM-Lepto; ponto de corte ≥ 100). As frequências de anticorpos contra T. gondii, Neospora spp. e Leptospira spp. foram 22,7%, 1,5% e 3,5%, respectivamente. Os sorogrupossorovares de Leptospira spp. que apresentaram soropositividade foram: Autumnalis-Butembo; Mini-Mini; Ballum-Castellonis; Icterohaemorrhagiae-Icterohaemorrhagiae; Icterohaemorrhagiae-Copenhageni e Grippotyphosa-Grippotyphosa ou Bananal. Esse estudo demonstrou que esses agentes estão circulando em populações de gambás no estado de São Paulo. Desta forma, investigações que visam determinar o papel dos marsupiais na epidemiologia de cada doença devem ser conduzidas, especialmente visando o entendimento do comportamento desses animais como hospedeiros dessas zoonoses.(AU)

Seroprevalencia de leptospirosis y factores asociados en trabajadores del servicio de aseo urbano de la Municipalidad de Asunción, Paraguay / Seroprevalence of leptospirosis and associated factors in workers of the urban cleaning service of the Municipality of Asuncion, Paraguay

Introduction: Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that has been linked to occupational activities such as farmers, sewer workers, garbage collectors, butchers and veterinarians. It is acquired through contact with major reservoirs like rodents, pets, or the environment contaminated by their urine. In Paraguay, there are no published reports on the seroprevalence of leptospirosis related to work activity. Objective: To determine the seroprevalence and factors associated with transmission of leptospirosis in urban sanitation workers. Methodology: Descriptive transversal study. The study included workers from the Department of Urban Cleanliness of the City of Asuncion, who had completed at least one month on the job and who agreed to particípate in the study. Sampling was stratified and proportional to the number of workers. After informed consent was obtained, participants were surveyed and a blood sample was taken for detection of Leptospira IgG antibodies by ELISA. Results: Leptospirosis seroprevalence was 8.6% (29/339), all positive cases were male and prevalence was statistically higher in workers of the collection area than in those of other work areas. Conclusion: We found a lower than expected seroprevalence. However, conditions observed at work and at home are conducive to transmission of infection. We recommend the improvement of prevention strategies and health promotion in this population.

Introducción: La leptospirosis es una enfermedad infecciosa grave que ha sido vinculada con actividades ocupacionales, en los agricultores, trabajadores de alcantarillas, recolectores de basura, carniceros y veterinarios; se adquiere a través del contacto con sus principales reservorios como roedores, animales domésticos o ambiente contaminado por su orina. En Paraguay no se tiene reportes publicados sobre la seroprevalencia de leptospirosis relacionados a la actividad laboral. Objetivo: Determinar la seroprevalencia y factores laborales asociados a la transmisión de la leptospirosis en trabajadores de aseo urbano. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, en el que fueron incluidos trabajadores del Departamento de Aseo Urbano de la Municipalidad de Asunción, con una antigüedad mínima de un mes y que aceptaron participar del estudio. El muestreo fue probabilístico estratificado, proporcional al número de trabajadores. Previo consentimiento informado, los participantes fueron encuestados, y se extrajo una muestra de sangre para la detección de anticuerpos del tipo IgG anti Leptospira por el método de ELISA. Resultados: La seroprevalencia de leptospirosis fue de 8,6% (29/339), todos los casos positivos fueron del sexo masculino, los trabajadores del área de recolección tuvieron una prevalencia estadísticamente mayor que aquellos de otras áreas de trabajo. Conclusión: Se encontró una seroprevalencia menor a la esperada. Sin embargo, a pesar de la prevalencia relativamente baja, las condiciones observadas, tanto en el trabajo como en el hogar, son propicias para la transmisión de la infección por lo que se recomienda mejorar las medidas preventivas y de promoción de la salud en esta población.

DNA prime-protein boost based vaccination with a conserved region of leptospiral immunoglobulin-like A and B proteins enhances protection against leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic spirochetes of theLeptospira genus. Vaccination with bacterins has severe limitations. Here, we evaluated the N-terminal region of the leptospiral immunoglobulin-like B protein (LigBrep) as a vaccine candidate against leptospirosis using immunisation strategies based on DNA prime-protein boost, DNA vaccine, and subunit vaccine. Upon challenge with a virulent strain ofLeptospira interrogans, the prime-boost and DNA vaccine approaches induced significant protection in hamsters, as well as a specific IgG antibody response and sterilising immunity. Although vaccination with recombinant fragment of LigBrep also produced a strong antibody response, it was not immunoprotective. These results highlight the potential of LigBrep as a candidate antigen for an effective vaccine against leptospirosis and emphasise the use of the DNA prime-protein boost as an important strategy for vaccine development.

Frecuencia de leptospirosis y características socio-demográficas en pacientes febriles del norte del Perú / Leptospirosis frequency and socio-demographic characteristics associated in febrile patients from northern Perú

Indroduction: Leptospirosis is a frequent cause of febrile illness around the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas such as Perú. Objective: To estimate the frequency and socio-demographic characteristics associated with leptospirosis in febrile patients in northern Perú. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from January to December 2014 in 143 fever cases admitted to the Hospital Regional Lambayeque, Perú. Structured for socio-demographic information and sanitation questionnaire was used. Serum samples were examined to quantitatively determine the presence of IgM antibodies to leptospira using ELISA IgM. Results: The frequency was 26.6% (95% CI 19.3 to 33.8) and independently associated features were: be between 20-54 years (OR: 3.36, 95% CI 1.17 to 9, 64), work in agriculture-livestock (OR: 6.15, 95% CI 1.99 to 19.05),contact with animals (OR: 4,13, IC 95%: 1,76-9,65) and consumption of unsafe water(OR: 3,33, IC 95%: 1,49-7,43). Conclusions: This study reveals a high frequency of leptospirosis among febrile patients from northern Perú. These results indicate the need to investigate routinely leptospirosis in febrile patients, especially those exhibiting risk characteristics.

Introducción: La leptopsirosis es causa frecuente de enfermedad febril alrededor del mundo, en particular en áreas tropicales y subtropicales como Perú. Objetivo. Estimar la frecuencia de leptospirosis y características socio-demográficas asociadas en pacientes febriles del norte del Perú. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal entre enero y diciembre de 2014 en 143 casos febriles admitidos en el Hospital Regional Lambayeque, Perú. Se usó un cuestionario estructurado para obtener información socio-demográfica y de saneamiento. Se examinaron muestras de suero para determinar cuantitativamente la presencia de anticuerpos IgM contra leptospira usando la técnica de ELISA IgM. Resultados: La frecuencia fue de 26,6% (IC 95%: 19,3-33,8) y las características asociadas independientemente fueron: tener entre 20 y 54 años (OR: 3,36, IC 95%: 1,17-9,64), dedicarse a la agricultura/ganadería (OR: 6,15, IC 95%: 1,99-19,05), el contacto con animales (OR: 4,13, IC 95%: 1,76-9,65) y el consumo de agua no potable (OR: 3,33, IC 95%: 1,49-7,43). Conclusiones: Este estudio revela una alta frecuencia de leptospirosis entre los pacientes febriles procedentes del norte del Perú. Estos resultados indican la necesidad de investigar la leptospirosis rutinariamente como causa de enfermedad febril, especialmente entre aquellos pacientes que presentan características de riesgo.