Hantavirus–Leptospira coinfections in small mammals from central Germany

Abstract

European orthohantaviruses (Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV); Dobrava-Belgrade orthohantavirus (DOBV), genotype Kurkino; Tula orthohantavirus (TULV)), and Leptospira spp. are small mammal-associated zoonotic pathogens that cause diseases with potentially similar symptoms in humans. We investigated the frequency of Leptospira spp. and hantavirus single and double infections in small mammals from 22 sites in Thuringia, central Germany, during 2017. TULV infections were detected at 18 of 22 sites (mean prevalence 13.8%, 93/674). PUUV infections were detected at four of 22 sites (mean prevalence 1.5%, 7/471), and respective PUUV sequences formed a novel phylogenetic clade, but DOBV infections were not detected at all. Leptospira infections were detected at 21 of 22 sites with the highest overall prevalence in field voles (Microtus agrestis) with 54.5% (6/11) and common voles (Microtus arvalis) with 30.3% (205/676). Leptospira–hantavirus coinfections were found in 6.6% (44/671) of common voles but only in two of 395 bank voles. TULV and Leptospira coinfection probability in common voles was driven by individual (age) and population-level factors. Coinfections seemed to be particularly associated with sites where Leptospira spp. prevalence exceeded 35%. Future investigations should evaluate public health consequences of this strong spatial clustering of coinfections.

Exposure of Free-Ranging Wild Animals to Zoonotic Leptospira interrogans Sensu Stricto in Slovenia

“…Leptospira spp. are also considered as small mammal-associated zoonotic pathogens causing diseases with potentially similar symptoms in humans [ 4 ]. It is considered as one of the most important re-emerging health threats to humans by the World Organisation for Animal Health [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…Human infections by Leptospira spp. and orthohantaviruses are almost indistinguishable in their clinical presentation [ 32 ] and can often be confused with each other [ 4 ]. In addition, coinfections with orthohantaviruses are frequently observed at sites where the prevalence of Leptospira spp.…”

“…In addition, coinfections with orthohantaviruses are frequently observed at sites where the prevalence of Leptospira spp. in small mammals exceeded 35% [ 4 ]. Therefore, long-term active surveillance and studies of wildlife reservoirs will help to understand the role of wildlife as a reservoir and as a source of leptospires and other pathogens to humans [ 13 ].…”

Influence of Season, Population and Individual Characteristics on the Prevalence of Leptospira spp. in Bank Voles in North-West Germany

“…Prevalence ranges from 5.3% in The Netherlands [ 45 ], 7.3% in Austria [ 46 ], 10.4% in Corsica, France [ 47 ], 3.1–12% in Czech Republic [ 48 ], 7.9–12% in Spain [ 49 , 50 ] and up to 21.5% in Croatia [ 51 ]. In Germany, a mean prevalence of 6% up to 21.3% in rodents of different genera was detected [ 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ]. Studies including multiple rodent genera concluded that rodents of the genus Microtus , as the main reservoir of Leptospira , showed much higher Leptospira prevalences (up to over 30%) compared to bank voles (4–11%) [ 52 , 57 , 58 ].…”

“…In Germany, a mean prevalence of 6% up to 21.3% in rodents of different genera was detected [ 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ]. Studies including multiple rodent genera concluded that rodents of the genus Microtus , as the main reservoir of Leptospira , showed much higher Leptospira prevalences (up to over 30%) compared to bank voles (4–11%) [ 52 , 57 , 58 ]. Further, it is commonly assumed that Leptospira species or serovars are adapted to certain host species, e.g., L. interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae is often associated with Norway rats ( Rattus norvegicus ) [ 59 ] or L. kirschneri with field voles ( Microtus agrestis ) and common voles ( Microtus arvalis ) [ 54 ].…”