Detection of Leptospira spp. in Captive Broad-Snouted Caiman ( Caiman latirostris)

This study aimed to investigate the presence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies and leptospiral DNA in captiveCaiman latirostris (broad-snouted caiman). Of the 23 reptiles studied by microscopic agglutination test (MAT), 22/23 (95.65%) were considered reactive (titers  ≥ 100) and 1/23 (4.35%) non-reactive (titer <  100). The serogroup with highest occurrence was Grippotyphosa (68.18%,n = 15/22) followed by serogroup Djasiman (18.18%,n = 4/22). Specific amplification ofLeptospira spp. genelipL32 was observed in six (26.09%,n = 6/23) blood samples. Five of six samples, previously detected as pathogenic leptospira by PCR, were amplified and sequenced. All the samples corresponded to the pathogenic speciesLeptospira interrogans (presented 100% of identity) using the PCR targeting tosecY gene. We demonstrated high detection of DNA ofL. interrogans in crocodilians, and the authors suggest that further research is needed to elucidate the impact ofLeptospira spp. infection in health broad-snouted caimans as well as the pathophysiology of leptospirosis in crocodilians.
Source: EcoHealth - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research