Presence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in captive yellow-spotted river turtles (Podocnemis unifilis) in the Eastern Amazon

Abstract

We describe anti-Leptospira spp. agglutinin in yellow-spotted river turtles (Podocnemis unifilis)in the Amazon region. Ninety-eight serum samples from individuals housed at the Bosque Rodrigues Alves Zoobotanical Garden of Amazonia, Belém, PA, Brazil, were subject to the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) using 19 different Leptospira spp. antigen serogroups. Thirty-four of the 98 samples (35%) were reactive, with titers ranging from 100 to 3200, and eight 8 reactive samples (23.5%) co-agglutinated under two or more serovars.The most common serogroup was Hebdomadis (26.9%, 7/26), followed by Semaranga (23%, 6/26), Shermani (19.2%, 5/26), Djasiman (11.5%, 3/26), and Australis (7.7%, 2/26); Bataviae, Javanica, and Sejroewere represented by a single sample each (3.9%). The presence of turtles reactive to anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies implies exposure to the pathogen.

Beyond Sea Turtles: Fusarium keratoplasticum in Eggshells of Podocnemis unifilis, a Threatened Amazonian Freshwater Turtle

“…As for the freshwater turtle P. unifilis , several pathogens, such as parasitic nematodes [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ], protozoans [ 34 , 35 ], yeasts [ 36 ] and bacteria [ 35 , 37 , 38 ], are known to affect adults. However, little is known about potentially pathogenic or beneficial microorganisms associated with their eggs.…”

Seroepidemiology of leptospirosis and molecular characterization of the first Leptospira strain isolated from Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Brazil

“…Little is known about leptospirosis in birds, but previous reports have also shown low seropositivity in domestic and wildlife birds (Brasil et al, 2013;Acosta et al, 2019). The prevalence found in tegu lizards was relatively high, with four out of the 13 samples reacting against serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae and Autumnalis, and although the small sample size, similar high prevalence is usually reported in Brazil (Biscola et al, 2011;Paz et al, 2019;Miranda et al, 2020). Still, the role of reptiles as reservoirs of leptospirosis and their risks for public health is debatable (Fornazari, 2017).…”

Detection of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in herpetofauna in Central Appalachia

“…A number of studies from Latin America and Europe have reported on evidence of leptospiral infection in herpetofauna, focusing primarily on reptiles, especially, turtles (Dezzutto et al., 2017; Lindtner‐Knific et al., 2013; Miranda et al., 2020; Oliveira et al., 2016; Rocha et al., 2019; Silva et al., 2009)and snakes (Biscola et al., 2011; Lindtner‐Knific et al., 2013). Serological studies in turtles from different regions in Brazil show a high positivity for leptospiral antibodies.…”

“…In previous studies, mainly from Latin America and Europe, leptospiral seropositivity has been described in different amphibian and reptilian species (Calle et al, 2001;Dezzutto et al, 2017;Lindtner-Knific et al, 2013;Miranda et al, 2020;Oliveira et al, 2016;Pérez-Flores et al, 2017;Rocha et al, 2019;Rodrigues et al, 2016;Rossetti et al, 2003;Silva et al, 2009). However, only a few studies have used leptospiral culturing or molecular techniques to test carriage status and establish a role of herpetofauna in maintenance of the pathogen (Biscola et al, 2011;Everard et al, 1990;Gravekamp et al, 1991;Rockwell et al, 2019).…”