Microbiological and molecular diagnosis of Leptospira spp. in synanthropic coatis (Nasua nasua)

• Grant number: 24/23300-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Felipe Fornazari
• Grantee: Aline Oliveira de Sousa Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Leptospirosis is zoonosis of worldwide importance caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. The aim of this study is to identify the role of synanthropic coatis (Nasua nasua) as carriers of Leptospira spp. in a municipality located in the central region of São Paulo State. Approximately 60 free-ranging coatis from three populations that are already monitored by our research team in urban areas of Botucatu, São Paulo, will be studied. The animals will be captured using Tomahawk traps and subsequently anesthetized for the collection of biological samples. Urine samples will be obtained via cystocentesis and subjected to molecular diagnosis for Leptospira through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as well as microbiological diagnosis by inoculating the samples into selective culture media. The results of the study will provide valuable epidemiological data on this zoonosis of great importance for the One Health.