Isolation and characterization of Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni from a dog from Saint Kitts

Abstract

Introduction. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease of global distribution affecting humans and animals. The initial phase of leptospirosis resembles many other febrile illness and due to its broad and biphasic clinical manifestations, selection and implementation of appropriate diagnostic tests can be challenging. Case presentation. This report describes a case investigation of a 14 weeks old male, orphan puppy, presented with generalised jaundice, anemia, weakness, and anorexia. Clinical abnormalities included the evidence of renal and hepatic failure. Antemortem and postmortem diagnostic investigations were conducted to identify the cause of illness. PCR testing and culture of blood was positive for Leptospira sp. Necropsy followed by histopathology evaluation revealed lesions compatible with liver and kidney damage consisting of marked diffuse hepatocellular dissociation, acute renal tubular necrosis, and mild interstitial nephritis. Conclusion. Multiple diagnostic techniques including bacterial isolation confirmed Leptospira infection in this puppy. Whole genome sequencing and analysis identified the Leptospira sp. isolated from this puppy as Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni. To our knowledge, this case report describes the first isolation of Leptospira from Saint Kitts. This case highlights the usefulness of including multiple diagnostic tests for the diagnosis and epidemiological investigation of Leptospira infection. Accurate diagnosis followed by timely intervention can prevent case fatality and mortality in infected patients.

Detection and Characterization of Leptospira Infection and Exposure in Rats on the Caribbean Island of Saint Kitts

“…The serovars belonging to the serogroup Ballum (Ballum, Arborea, and Castellonis) were also reported in various parts of the world. Leptospira exposure and infection is common among animals on the island [7][8][9][10][11]. The highest seroprevalence was reported in cattle (80%) followed by dogs (73%), pigs (69%), African green monkeys (49%), sheep (35%), goats (24%), mongoose (8%), and cats (4%).…”

“…In Saint Kitts, a small island located in the Caribbean region, human mortality (5.87) and morbidity (107.87) rates per 100,000 population due to Leptospira infections are estimated [1]. Recently, we reported infection and exposure to a diverse set of Leptospira serovars in multiple animal species on the island [7][8][9][10][11]. Yet, there is no data on Leptospira infection in one of the major global reservoir hosts, rats.…”

Leptospira Infection in African Green Monkeys in an Endemic Area: An Opportunity for Comparative Studies in a Natural Environment

“…Out of two PCR-positive samples one was positive for six Leptospira serovars with MAT titers ranging from 50-200, suggestive of a potential early active infection. We have isolated L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni from rats, mongooses, and a dog from the island [12,13,15]. In rats from which we isolated L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni, the highest exposure was documented for serovar Icterohemorrhagiae but not for the infecting serovar Copenhageni.…”

“…Proximity to the Leptospira infected animals can be a potential risk factor for other animals and humans. Our studies have also documented Leptospira infection and exposure in other animal species on the island [12][13][14][15][16]. In this pilot study, we investigated whether the African green monkeys (AGMs) could potentially serve as an asymptomatic source of infection and whether there is any association between Leptospira infection or exposure and the presence of renal pathology in a set of AGMs.…”

Investigating the Immunological and Biological Equilibrium of Reservoir Hosts and Pathogenic Leptospira: Balancing the Solution to an Acute Problem?

“…A (Zacarias et al, 2008) R* (Gomes-Solecki et al, 2017) SP (Boey et al, 2019) R (Zacarias et al, 2008) SP (Jung et al, 2010) SP (Kazami et al, 2002) A (Larson et al, 2017) SP (Harland et al, 2013) A (Evangelista et al, 2017) Lai A (Natarajaseenivasan et al, 2005;Li et al, 2010) SP ( (Scanziani et al, 1995) A (Barbosa et al, 2019) Relative disease presentation of common serovars in various host species is described. Serovar generalizations include literature across type, strain, and geographical region.…”