Seroepidemiological investigation of animal leptospirosis and molecular characterization of the first
            <i>Leptospira</i>
            strain isolated from Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Brazil

Background and Aim: Leptospirosis in felids (domestic and wild cats) presents an ongoing challenge in our understanding. Numerous studies have reported the detection of Leptospira spp. in these feline populations, highlighting their potential as zoonotic carriers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide insight into the global prevalence of leptospirosis in domestic and wild cats. Materials and Methods: We conducted extensive searches across five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Protocols guidelines. Random-effect meta-analyses were performed using R software version 4.3.0 to estimate pooled prevalence rates. Subgroup meta-analyses were conducted based on continents, diagnostic methods, sample types, and wildcat genera. Results: A total of 71 articles on leptospirosis in domestic cats and 23 articles on leptospirosis in wild cats met the eligibility criteria. Our findings indicated a significantly higher pooled seroprevalence of leptospirosis in domestic cats compared with infection prevalence (9.95% [95% confidence interval (CI), 7.60%–12.54%] vs. 4.62% [95% CI, 2.10%–7.83%], p = 0.01). In contrast, no significant difference was observed in pooled seroprevalence and infection prevalence among wild cats (13.38% [95% CI, 6.25%–21.93%] vs. 2.9% [95% CI, 0.00%-18.91%], p = 0.21). A subgroup meta-analysis of domestic cats revealed significant differences in seroprevalence across continents, sample types, and diagnostic methods. On the contrary, wild cats had no significant differences in any of the subgroups. Conclusion: Leptospira spp. have evidently been exposed to both domestic and wild cats, highlighting their potential roles as reservoir hosts for leptospirosis. These findings highlight the importance of considering felids as a possible public health threat. Keywords: cat, diagnosis, felid, global prevalence, Leptospira spp., meta-analysis, natural infection.

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Analysis of free-living seabirds from Brazil as potential hosts of Toxoplasma gondii and Leptospira spp

Acosta,

Chiebao,

Serafini

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Dispersal patterns of zoonotic pathogens can be strongly influenced by mobility and contact among hosts. Toxoplasmosis has been documented in many avian species, however, there is few information regarding free-living seabird populations. Leptospira can infect domestic and wild animals, with birds being potential carriers of the bacteria. The continental shelf of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean is a foraging area for seabirds breed locally, as well as migratory seabirds wintering in the area, which may come into contact with each other in prey aggregation areas and contribute to Leptospira spread. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of important zoonotic pathogens in free-living seabirds, encompassing species that nest on islands as well as migratory visitors sampled at sea. Blood samples were collected from 322 birds of three local breeders (Phaethon aethereus, Sula leucogaster and S. dactylatra) in the eastern coast of Brazil (Abrolhos archipelago), and two migratory species using the area during the pre-laying (Pterodroma arminjoniana) and the non-breeding periods (Thalassarche chlororhynchos). Serological agglutination tests for detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies were performed. None of the seabirds in this study was reagent to anti-Leptospira spp., whereas 34.5% (n = 111) of the animals presented antibodies against T. gondii. Antibody titers in seropositive birds ranged from 10 to 640. There were seropositive birds in all sampled localities. This study provides the first records for P. arminjoniana and T. chlororhynchos as seropositive to T. gondii, suggesting their potential role as sentinels for the disease. These findings indicate the circulation of the parasite in the Brazilian coastal and oceanic regions, suggesting the influence of anthropogenic activities over the studied regions that could lead to the ingestion of T. gondii oocysts by the birds. The epidemiological involvement of migratory birds as hosts of pathogens, as well as the role of the historical introduction of invasive vertebrates on Brazilian islands. Therefore, seabird colonies need to be better understood to be included in the risk analysis of the wildlife cycle of toxoplasmosis.

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

Cited by 3 publications

References 50 publications

Current knowledge on leptospirosis in cats: A systematic review with metanalysis on direct detection, serological response, and clinical data

Current knowledge on leptospirosis in cats: A systematic review with metanalysis on direct detection, serological response, and clinical data

Feline leptospirosis prevalence worldwide: A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic approaches

Analysis of free-living seabirds from Brazil as potential hosts of Toxoplasma gondii and Leptospira spp

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