Serological and molecular detection of Leptospira spp in dogs

• Published in: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
• Main Authors: Giulia Soares Latosinski, Felipe Fornazari, Selene Daniela Babboni, Karen Caffaro, Antonio Carlos Paes, Helio Langoni
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT)
• Subjects: Leptospirosis; PCR; Microscopic; Agglutination test; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0276-2017; https://doaj.org/article/57ca744af0cc4e81bb30f0aa4aa4d34d

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to detect anti-Leptospira spp antibodies and Leptospira DNA in domestic dogs. METHODS: Blood and urine from 106 dogs were evaluated by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. RESULTS: Six (5.7%) and one (1%) animals were positive by MAT and PCR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results show a low prevalence of infection by Leptospira spp. The absence of positive results for the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup indicates the small relevance of these dogs as sources of human leptospirosis.