Pinnipeds carriers of pathogenic Leptospira: New data based on molecular characterization

Torres, Felipe D’Azeredo; Borges, Ana Luiza dos Santos Baptista; Kolesnikovas, Cristiane Kiyomi Miyaji; Domit, Camila; Barbosa, Carla Beatriz; Carvalho-Costa, Filipe Aníbal; Azevedo, Maria Isabel Nogueira Di; Lilenbaum, Walter

doi:10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.12.012

Cited by 7 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 61 publications

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“…In that context, the use of the secY gene as a sequencing target has been encouraged, due to its good taxonomic resolution [39]. Other studies have already performed a wide evaluation of deposited leptospiral secY sequences of other animal species and from different countries [55,56], demonstrating the feasibility of this gene as a target in molecular studies. Although secY sequencing has been encouraged, in the present study, it represented only 35.1% of the obtained sequences.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Molecular Epidemiology of Pathogenic Leptospira spp. Infecting Dogs in Latin America

Azevedo

Aymée

Borges

et al. 2023

Animals

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Canine leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. Infections can vary from asymptomatic and chronic infections to clinical acute diseases. The disease is endemic in tropical areas, such as Latin American countries, but a broad understanding of the dynamics of circulation of strains, based on molecular data, has not yet been performed. Based on in silico analyses, the present study aims to analyze the genetic diversity and circulation patterns of haplotypes from pathogenic leptospires infecting dogs in Latin America. DNA sequences were obtained from GenBank platform, curated, and aligned. Genetic distances were calculated, and a maximum likelihood tree and haplotype network were constructed. According to the inclusion criteria adopted, a total of 148 sequences were identified. Most of the records were from Brazil, including sequences from L. interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae. Phylogenetic analysis showed a genetically closely related cluster, consisting of a larger haplogroup that includes the reference strain Fiocruz L1-130, known to be the major circulating strain in humans. Moreover, no genetic variations were observed according to clinical history and/or geographical localization. We described the molecular epidemiology of leptospires circulating among dogs in Latin America and demonstrated a very genetically homogeneous group, elucidating its ubiquitous circulation pattern and drawing attention to the important role of dogs in the One Health transmission dynamics of leptospirosis.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Molecular Epidemiology of Pathogenic Leptospira spp. Infecting Dogs in Latin America

Azevedo

Aymée

Borges

et al. 2023

Animals

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“…On the other hand, it has been suggested that all freeranging animals could be incidental Leptospira hosts, including marine mammals [12]. Recently, our group recognized pinnipeds as carriers of pathogenic leptospires on the South and Southeast coast of Brazil, highlighting a possible role in leptospirosis dynamics in the region [13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 88%

“…Data regarding the histopathology of renal tissues were provided by the partner institutions and used for the classification of the animals into the status: (1) Kidney A = individuals without alterations compatible with renal pathology associated with leptospirosis, and (2) Kidney B = individuals with alterations compatible with renal pathology associated with leptospirosis (according to Torres et al [13]). The following inclusion criteria were adopted: animals of any sex, any age group, ecoregion, preferential habitats, and kidney status.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Molecular Detection of Pathogenic Leptospira sp. in Cetaceans from the Brazilian Coast

Torres

Borges

Castilho

et al. 2023

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases

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Leptospirosis is a zoonosis with ubiquitous distribution caused by spirochetes belonging to the genus Leptospira sp., endemic mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and capable of infecting domestic animals, free-living animals, and humans. Although well documented in terrestrial animals and humans, little information is available on its distribution and impact on marine animals. There are few studies assessing cetaceans’ health status, and even scarcer are those focused on leptospirosis research. In this context, considering the One Health approach, the present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of pathogenic Leptospira sp. in cetaceans on the Brazilian coast. Kidneys of 142 cetaceans belonging to 19 species were collected. DNA was extracted, and the diagnosis was performed by LipL32-polymerase chain reaction. Genetic characterization was conducted based on secY gene sequencing. Pathogenic Leptospira sp. DNA was detected in 14.8% (21/142) of the tested cetaceans, with coastal species presenting a significantly higher frequency (p-value = 0.03) of infected individuals (25%, 17/68) than oceanic species (7.5%, 4/53). It was possible to amplify and sequence three strains (one for Sotalia guianensis, one for Stenella clymene, and one for Pontoporia blainvillei), all of them identified as Leptospira interrogans, with high similarity with sequences from Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup. Phylogenetic analysis revealed sequences from the present study grouped in species-specific unique clusters but very close to pinnipeds in the same area, evidencing the presence of two distinct haplotypes circulating on marine mammals in the region. We could demonstrate that cetaceans can act as carriers of pathogenic leptospires. Moreover, the proximity with anthropogenic areas could play an important role in leptospirosis’ dynamics of transmission in a One Health context.

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“…DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis were conducted, as previously described in D'Azeredo Torres et al's [19] study. Briefly, kidney samples were obtained during the necropsy and stored in sterile 2.0 mL microtubes at −20°C until molecular analysis.…”

Section: Molecular Diagnosis and Genotyping Leptospira Sppmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bat-Associated Pathogenic Leptospira spp. from Forest Fragments in Southwestern Brazilian Amazonia

Verde,

Di Azevedo,

Dias

et al. 2024

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases

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Bats are known as potential carriers of different pathogens; these animals have been identified worldwide as an important reservoir of different species of Leptospira. Therefore, there has been an increasing interest in studying leptospirosis in neotropical bats in the Amazon. This region is a fertile ground for zoonotic diseases, given the intense process of deforestation, urbanization, opening of new agricultural frontiers, predatory hunting, effects of climate change, and loss of biodiversity. Based on this, the aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of infection associated with the genetic characterization of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in bats inhabiting diverse landscapes in the southwestern region of the Amazon. To conduct the study, mist nets were installed to capture bats. Kidney samples were submitted to LipL32-polymerase chain reaction and secY gene sequencing. Our results showed that 21% of neotropical evaluated bats in Southwestern Amazon were infected with Leptospira spp. Positive animals were found in rural, urban, periurban, and control areas. Sanguinivores had the highest frequency of positives, followed by insectivores and frugivorous bats. The species of L. interrogans and a potential new Leptospira species were identified. The frequency of Leptospira in bats was not influenced by landscape type, suggesting these pathogens may not be affected by landscape changes. The findings suggest that bats may serve as potential reservoirs of Leptospira in diverse landscapes. The presence of Leptospira in bats appears to be independent of the type of land use, implying that these pathogens may not be affected by small-scale changes in the environment.

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Pinnipeds carriers of pathogenic Leptospira: New data based on molecular characterization

Cited by 7 publications

References 61 publications

Molecular Epidemiology of Pathogenic Leptospira spp. Infecting Dogs in Latin America

Molecular Epidemiology of Pathogenic Leptospira spp. Infecting Dogs in Latin America

Molecular Detection of Pathogenic Leptospira sp. in Cetaceans from the Brazilian Coast

Bat-Associated Pathogenic Leptospira spp. from Forest Fragments in Southwestern Brazilian Amazonia

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