Seroprevalence of 12 serovars of pathogenic Leptospira in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Poland

Abstract

BackgroundLeptospira spp. infect humans and a wide range of domestic and wild animals, but certain species such as small rodents and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) play a particular role as reservoirs and transmission of leptospirosis as they easily adapt to many habitats including human environments. To investigate the significance of red foxes in the epidemiology of leptospirosis in Poland, a seroprevalence survey was conducted. During the 2014–2015 hunting season, blood samples of 2134 red foxes originating from the central-eastern part of Poland were collected. Serum samples were tested by a microscopic agglutination test for the presence of specific antibodies to Leptospira serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa, Sejroe, Tarassovi, Pomona, Canicola, Hardjo, Ballum, Australis, Bataviae, Saxkoebing and Poi.ResultsAntibodies to at least one serovar were detected in 561 sera (26.3%). The highest seroprevalence was found in the Subcarpathia (41.6%) and Warmia-Masuria (40.3%) provinces. Antibodies were mainly directed against serovars Poi (12.4%), Saxkoebing (11.3%), and Sejroe (6.0%).ConclusionsExposure of red foxes to certain Leptospira serovars seems to be common in central and eastern Poland. In addition, the high prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. in foxes may indicate a potential risk of infection for humans and other species coming into contact with these animals.

Serological and molecular survey of Leptospira spp. infections in wild boars and red foxes from Southeastern France

“…26.3% in central and eastern Poland [16], 31.3% in Croatia [17]. The low percentage of seropositive foxes in our investigation is probably due to the use of MAT on blotting papers, which is a less sensitive method, but also probably reflects the biotic structure of leptospirosis foci in Southeastern France and the myomorphous mammals' population.…”

“…Red foxes’ prey on small rodents, notably Rattus norvegicu s, which is known to be the main reservoir of icterohaemorhagiae serovar. Surveys conducted throughout Europe have shown differences in the prevalence of leptospirosis in foxes: 26.3% in central and eastern Poland [ 16 ], 31.3% in Croatia [ 17 ]. The low percentage of seropositive foxes in our investigation is probably due to the use of MAT on blotting papers, which is a less sensitive method, but also probably reflects the biotic structure of leptospirosis foci in Southeastern France and the myomorphous mammals’ population.…”

Molecular Typing of Pathogenic Leptospira Species Isolated from Wild Mammal Reservoirs in Sardinia

“…The hunting of this species is allowed on the island, and is regulated by the Regional Law number 23 of 1998. Foxes are known to be an important source of Leptospira in Europe, where the Grippotyphosa serogroup is known as the most frequently reported in Germany [ 45 ], and the Poi and Saxkoebing serogroups, and Sejroe are the most common in Poland [ 46 ]. The presence of pathogenic Leptospira in Sardinian wild foxes needs further investigation to clarify the role of wild carnivores as a reservoir of pathogenic Leptospira serovars on the island, as well as their epidemiological role in the zoonotic cycle.…”

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

“…[ 14 ]. Studies worldwide indicate that various wild ruminants [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ], lagomorphs [ 15 , 18 ] and carnivores [ 15 , 19 , 20 , 21 ] are also potential sources of leptospires. Wildlife species are generally considered to be important epidemiological vectors, mainly because of their frequent reactivity to Leptospira serovars native to their habitat [ 16 ].…”