Pathology and One Health implications of fatal Leptospira interrogans infection in an urbanized, free‐ranging, black‐tufted marmoset ( Callithrix penicillata ) in Brazil

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic neglected disease of worldwide public health concern. Leptospira species can infect a wide range of wild and domestic mammals and lead to a spectrum of disease, including severe and fatal forms. Herein, we report for the first time a fatal Leptospira interrogans infection in a free-ranging nonhuman primate (NHP), a black-tufted marmoset. Icterus, pulmonary haemorrhage, interstitial nephritis, and hepatocellular dissociation were the main findings raising the suspicion of leptospirosis. Diagnostic confirmation was based on specific immunohistochemical and PCR assays for Leptospira species. Immunolocalization of leptospiral antigens and identification of pathogenic species (L. interrogans species) were important for better understanding the pathogenesis of the disease. One Health-related implications of freeranging NHPs in anthropized areas and transmission dynamics of human and animal leptospirosis are discussed.

Fatal Human Alphaherpesvirus 1 Infection in Free-Ranging Black-Tufted Marmosets in Anthropized Environments, Brazil, 2012–2019

“…These other diseases are zoonotic, some of high public health concern, with possible NHP reservoir hosts. This observation exemplifies the value of public outreach and robust One Healthfocused epidemiologic and pathologic surveillance programs, such as the National Surveillance Program of Yellow Fever Epizootics in NHP of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, for detecting zoonotic and anthroponotic diseases in free-ranging NHPs (40). Detection, monitoring, and predicting spillover events afforded by these programs enables development of rapid containment measures to prevent devastating new public health outbreaks and threats to wildlife populations.…”

Influence of landscape structure on previous exposure to Leptospira spp. and Brucella abortus in free‐living neotropical primates from southern Brazil

“…interrogans without any serogroup and serovar being identified (Wilson et al, 2021). Isolation of L. borgpetersenii through urine sample was also documented in a healthy tufted capuchin (Sapajus apella) in Mato Grosso State (west-central Brazil) .…”

“…However, records of NHP showing clinical signs in the wild have been rare in different regions and under environmental conditions (Wilson et al, 2021). One study reported a black‐tufted marmoset ( Callithix penicillata ) that died in an urban area in the Federal District (central Brazil) that was diagnosed with leptospirosis caused by L. interrogans without any serogroup and serovar being identified (Wilson et al, 2021). Isolation of L. borgpetersenii through urine sample was also documented in a healthy tufted capuchin ( Sapajus apella ) in Mato Grosso State (west‐central Brazil) (Silva, Santos, et al, 2016).…”

“…In free-living primates, serological surveys have evidenced exposure to the agent. Girio et al (2020) However, records of NHP showing clinical signs in the wild have been rare in different regions and under environmental conditions (Wilson et al, 2021). One study reported a black-tufted marmoset (Callithix penicillata) that died in an urban area in the Federal District (central Brazil) that was diagnosed with leptospirosis caused by L.…”

A global one health perspective on leptospirosis in humans and animals

“…Reports of leptospirosis in captive wildlife species have included a tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), 39 southern tamanduas (Tamandua tetradactyla), 40 and nonhuman primates. [41][42][43] Affected free-ranging wildlife species have included nonhuman primates, 44 canids and felids, 45,46 Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber), 47 and marine mammals on the west coast of the US. Affected marine mammals have included northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni), 48 northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), 49 harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsii), 50,51 and California sea lions (Zalophus californianus).…”