ANALISIS ESPACIAL Y EPIDEMIOLOGICO SOBRE LEPTOSPIROSIS HUMANA  EN PUERTO RICO, 1996 a 2014

Ramos, Luis J.; Lázaro, Pablo A. Méndez; Barbosa, José Seguinot; Cardona, Cynthia Pérez

doi:10.21138/gf.592

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 24 publications

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“…The detection of pathogenic leptospires during the dry season in Loiza was unexpected based on the generally accepted view of higher incidence of leptospirosis during the wet season. Evaluation of the surroundings did not show evident environmental differences among other nearby locations (i.e., Grande de Loiza and Espiritu Santo), regarding the presence of conditions that may enhance the possibility of detections, such as the presence of swamps, woodlands, pasture, and urban development (Santiago‐Ramos, Méndez Lázaro, Seguinot Barbosa, & Pérez Cardona, 2018).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seasonal shifts in the presence of pathogenic leptospires, Escherichia coli, and physicochemical properties in coastal rivers and streams of Puerto Rico

et al. 2020

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Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonotic disease in the Caribbean region and the island of Puerto Rico. Information on the presence of pathogenic Leptospira in rivers and streams of Puerto Rico is currently lacking. This study aimed to evaluate seasonal shifts in the presence of pathogenic leptospires and the level of Escherichia coli from 32 coastal locations in Puerto Rico's dry and wet seasons. Physicochemical parameters (temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen) were determined at each site. The temperature (25.8 • C) and pH (average 7.6) values were all within acceptable USEPA regulatory standards. Thirty-eight percent of the sites of the dry season and 28% of the wet season sites contained dissolved oxygen levels ≤4 mg L −1 , which is relatively low. In the dry season, 19 sites (59%) and 18 (56%) of the wet season sites had E. coli counts >410 most probable number (MPN) 100 ml −1 and would be considered unsafe for recreational use. The lipl32 gene quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was used for the detection of pathogenic leptospires in the samples. Low concentrations of pathogenic leptospires (<60 genome copies 100 ml −1) at Camuy, Espíritu Santo, Río Guayanilla, Quebrada Majagual, and Río Fajardo were detected during the wet season. Pathogenic leptospires were detected (∼40 genome copies 100 ml −1) at only one site, Loíza, during the dry season. There was no predictable relationship between the physicochemical parameters, concentrations of E. coli, and the presence of pathogenic leptospires in water samples.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seasonal shifts in the presence of pathogenic leptospires, Escherichia coli, and physicochemical properties in coastal rivers and streams of Puerto Rico

et al. 2020

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Divergent lineages of pathogenic Leptospira species are widespread and persisting in the environment in Puerto Rico, USA

Stone

Hall

Ortiz

et al. 2021

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BackgroundLeptospirosis, caused by Leptospira bacteria, is a common zoonosis worldwide more prevalent in the tropics. Reservoir species and risk factors have been identified but surveys for environmental sources of leptospirosis are rare. Furthermore, understanding of environmental Leptospira containing pathogenic genes and possibly capable of causing disease is incomplete and could result in some pathogenic strains evading detection, thereby convoluting diagnosis, prevention, and epidemiology.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe collected environmental samples from 22 sites in Puerto Rico during three sampling periods over 14-months (Dec 2018-Feb 2020); 10 water and 10 soil samples were collected at each site. Samples were screened for pathogenic Leptospira DNA using the lipL32 PCR assay and positive samples were sequenced to assess genetic diversity. One urban site in San Juan was sampled three times over 14 months to assess persistence in soil; live leptospires were obtained during the last sampling period. Isolates were whole genome sequenced and LipL32 expression was assessed in vitro.We detected pathogenic Leptospira DNA at 15/22 sites; both soil and water were positive at 5/15 sites. We recovered lipL32 sequences from 83/86 positive samples (15/15 positive sites) and secY sequences from 32/86 (10/15 sites); multiple genotypes were identified at 12 sites. These sequences revealed significant diversity across samples, including four novel lipL32 phylogenetic clades. Most samples from the serially sampled site were lipL32 positive at each time point. We sequenced the genomes of six saprophytic and two pathogenic Leptospira isolates; the latter represent a novel pathogenic Leptospira species likely belonging to a new serogroup.Conclusions/SignificanceDiverse and novel pathogenic Leptospira are widespread in the environment in Puerto Rico. The disease potential of the novel lineages is unknown but several persisted for >1 year in soil, which could contaminate water. This work increases understanding of environmental Leptospira and should improve leptospirosis surveillance and diagnostics.Author SummaryLeptospirosis is a common zoonotic disease worldwide, but more prevalent in the tropics. Cases are more common following severe weather events, possibly due to flooding, which may more readily distribute soil and/or water contaminated with Leptospira spp., the disease agents. Human cases increased following the 2017 hurricanes that ravaged Puerto Rico (Maria and Irma), prompting environmental sampling of soil and water to assess the presence, abundance, and persistence of pathogenic leptospires in these environments. The goal was to better understand these potential reservoirs of human and animal disease. Divergent and novel groups of pathogenic Leptospira were abundant and widespread in soil and water in Puerto Rico and sometimes persisted in these environments for >1 year. However, most groups we identified have not previously been described from humans and/or other animals, so the disease potential of these novel organisms is unknown. The results of this study reveal a tremendous amount of previously uncharacterized Leptospira diversity in soil and water in Puerto Rico, which could contribute to cryptic disease. The description and characterization of these novel types improves our understanding of the genus Leptospira, and will aid in the developent of improved diagnostics and preventative tools to advance public health outcomes.

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ANALISIS ESPACIAL Y EPIDEMIOLOGICO SOBRE LEPTOSPIROSIS HUMANA EN PUERTO RICO, 1996 a 2014

Cited by 2 publications

References 24 publications

Seasonal shifts in the presence of pathogenic leptospires, Escherichia coli, and physicochemical properties in coastal rivers and streams of Puerto Rico

Seasonal shifts in the presence of pathogenic leptospires, Escherichia coli, and physicochemical properties in coastal rivers and streams of Puerto Rico

Divergent lineages of pathogenic Leptospira species are widespread and persisting in the environment in Puerto Rico, USA

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