Investigation on predominant Leptospira serovars and its distribution in humans and livestock in Thailand, 2010-2015

Abstract

BackgroundLeptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic bacterial disease caused by infection with leptospires. Leptospirosis in humans and livestock is an endemic and epidemic disease in Thailand. Livestock may act as reservoirs for leptospires and source for human infection.Methodology/Principal findingsData on leptospirosis infection in humans and livestock (Buffaloes, Cattle, and Pigs) species during 2010 to 2015 were analyzed. Serum samples were examined using Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) to identify antibodies against Leptospira serovars using a cut-off titer ≥ 1:100. The seroprevalence was 23.7% in humans, 24.8% in buffaloes, 28.1% in cattle, and 11.3% in pigs. Region specific prevalence among humans and livestock was found in a wide range. The most predominant serovars were Shermani, followed by Bratislava, Panama, and Sejroe in human, Shermani, Ranarum, and Tarassovi in buffaloes, and Shermani and Ranarum in cattle and pigs. Equally highest MAT titers against multiple serovars per one sample were found mainly in buffaloes and cattle showing equally titers against Ranarum and Shermani. The correlations of distribution of serovars across Thailand’s regions were found to be similar in pattern for cattle but not for buffaloes. In humans, the serovar distribution in the south differed from other regions. By logistic regression, the results indicated that livestock is more susceptible to infection by serovar Shermani when compared to humans.Conclusions/SignificanceThis study gives a detailed picture of the predominance of Leptospira serovars in relation to region, humans and typical livestock. The broad spatial distribution of seroprevalence was analyzed across and within species as well as regions in Thailand. Our finding may guide public health policy makers to implement appropriate control measures and help to reduce the impact of leptospirosis in Thailand.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Leptospira serovar Pomona and Leptospira serovar Hardjo infection in dairy cows in Jordan

“…Furthermore, the prevalence of combined infection with Leptospira serovar Pomona and serovar Hardjo infection in apparently healthy cows in this study was 26.25%. These results are in congruence with previous observations that indicate that the majority of cows become infected with one serovar, however infection with multiple serovars is also possible [17]. Since, vaccination against Leptospira spp.…”

Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira kirschneri are the dominant Leptospira species causing human leptospirosis in Central Malaysia

“…As reported by Mgode et al, the inclusion of local circulating serovars in the MAT panel could improve leptospirosis diagnosis [59]. In another study performed in Thailand, the leptospires serovars mostly found in patients were also the dominant serovars circulating in livestock [60]. In the present study, although similar species were identified among human and rodents [13], no link could be established at ST level.…”

Leptospirainfection and shedding in cats in Thailand

“…Leptospirosis in humans and animals is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions (World Health Organization Western Pacific Region, 2012) including Thailand, where leptospirosis is a major public health problem (Hinjoy, 2016), with an average of 6.6 per 100,000 people per year who get infected with leptospirosis, and up to 25 per 100,000 who get infected with leptospirosis during outbreaks (Ministry of Public Health, 2017). In Thai livestock, Leptospira antibody prevalences of 24.8% in buffalos, 28.1% in cattle and 11.3% in pigs were recently reported (Chadsuthi et al, 2017). Antibody prevalence in dogs ranged from 11% in Chiang Mai (Meeyam, Tablerk, Petchanok, Pichpol, & Padungtod, 2006) to 83% in Bangkok (Jittapalapong et al, 2009).…”