Identification of Pathogenic ILeptospira kirschneri/I Serogroup Grippotyphosa in Water Voles from Ruminant Pastures in Puy-de-Dôme, Central France

Rodents are the primary reservoirs for pathogenic Leptospira species, which cause leptospirosis. Among the key potential carriers are water voles, whose population outbreaks can consequently pose a major threat to human and animal health. We studied the prevalence, prominence, and epidemiology of pa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pathogens (Basel) 2023-02, Vol.12 (2)
Main Authors: Harran, Elena, Pinot, Adrien, Kodjo, Angeli, Djelouadji, Zouheira, Le Gudayer, Marine, Sionfoungo Daouda, Soro, Groud, Karine, Lattard, Virginie, Ayral, Florence
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bacteria, Pathogenic
Causes of
Diseases
Distribution
Genetic aspects
Gram-negative bacteria
Identification and classification
Leptospirosis
Risk factors
Voles
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Summary:Rodents are the primary reservoirs for pathogenic Leptospira species, which cause leptospirosis. Among the key potential carriers are water voles, whose population outbreaks can consequently pose a major threat to human and animal health. We studied the prevalence, prominence, and epidemiology of pathogenic Leptospira species in water voles in central France. First, 46 voles were captured, and DNA was extracted from kidney, lung, liver, blood, and urine and tested for the presence of Leptospira using three molecular methods: PCR, O-antigen typing, and variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) typing. We also attempted to culture leptospires from kidney and urine samples. In addition, we investigated leptospiral antibodies in serum samples from 60 sheep using microscopic agglutination testing. These animals co-occurred with the voles, so we sought to assess their degree of exposure and involvement in pathogen dynamics. The overall prevalence of infection was 76.1% (CI[sub.95%] [61.2%, 87.4%]). The only strain found was L. kirschneri serogroup Grippotyphosa and a similar VNTR profile was acquired. Leptospires were successfully cultured from kidney and urine samples for four voles. Three sheep had low antibody titers against the Leptospira serogroup Grippotyphosa. Taken together, our results suggest the exclusive carriage of L. kirschneri serogroup Grippotyphosa among water voles in central France. Nevertheless, their ability to act as reservoir hosts that transmit the pathogen to co-occurring livestock remains unclear and merits further research.
ISSN:2076-0817
2076-0817
DOI:10.3390/pathogens12020260