Effects of rainfall on incidental and host-maintained leptospiral infections in cattle in a tropical region. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Correia, Lucas; Loureiro, Ana Paula; Lilenbaum, Walter
• Is Part Of: Veterinary journal. Volume 220(2017)
• Page Start: 63
• Page End: 64
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Hardjo -- Incidental serovars -- Leptospira -- Rainfall -- Renal carrier; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; 636
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.12.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1090-0233

Abstract

Highlights: Rainfall affected incidental and host adapted infection rates differently. Incidental infections rose significantly during rainy seasons. Host adapted serogroup infections were not significantly affected by rainfall. Incidental and adapted infections require different approaches for diagnosis and control. Abstract: This study investigated the effects of rainfall on incidental and host-maintained leptospiral infections in cattle in a tropical region. Serum and urine specimens were collected from 582 bovines in a slaughterhouse. Seropositivity during rainy seasons was 43.6% (158/362) and during dry seasons was 31.8% (70/220; P = 0.0047). Positivity by urine PCR in rainy seasons was 42.3% (153/362) and 33.2% (73/220; P = 0.0296) in dry seasons. Additionally, increases in rainfall rates had different effects on host-adapted (serogroup Sejroe) and incidental (all other serogroups) leptospiral infections. There was a significant increase in the number of cattle shedding Leptospira during the rainy season (CI 1.04–2.09; P = 0.0296), suggesting temporary (transient) urinary shedding of incidental serogroups. Incidental and host-maintained Leptospira infections in cattle require different diagnostic techniques and control strategies.