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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Prospective study of canine leptospirosis in shelter and stray dog populations: Identification of chronic carriers and different Leptospira species infecting dogs

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Author(s):
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Miotto, Bruno Alonso [1, 2] ; Alves Guilloux, Aline Gil [3] ; Tozzi, Barbara Furlan [1] ; Moreno, Luisa Zanolli [3] ; da Hora, Aline Santana [3] ; Dias, Ricardo Augusto [3] ; Heinemann, Marcos Bryan [3] ; Moreno, Andrea Micke [3] ; de Souza Filho, Antonio Francisco [3] ; Lilenbaum, Walter [4] ; Hagiwara, Mitika Kuribayashi [1]
Total Authors: 11
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med Vet & Zootecnia, Dept Clin Med, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Lab Microbiol & Imunodiag, Dept Clin Med, Fac Med Vet & Zootecnia, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med Vet & Zootecnia, Dept Med Vet Prevent & Saude Anim, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[4] Univ Fed Fluminense, Dept Microbiol & Parasitol, Niteroi, RJ - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: PLoS One; v. 13, n. 7 JUL 11 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 4
Abstract

Dogs are highly susceptible to the leptospiral infection, notably stray and sheltered dogs. Unsanitary conditions often observed in dog shelters may predispose the introduction and spread of leptospires among sheltered populations, potentially increasing the chances for the inadvertent adoption of asymptomatically infected animals. The present work describes a longitudinal study using a multidisciplinary approach for the identification of chronically infected dogs and the characterization of potentially pathogenic strains circulating among stray and sheltered dog populations in Sao Paulo, Brazil. A total of 123 dogs from three populations were included. The initial evaluation consisted of blood and urine quantitative PCR testing (qPCR), the detection of specific antibodies by microscopic agglutination test (MAT), physical examination and hematological and serum biochemistry analyses. The qPCR-positive dogs were prospectively examined, and reevaluations also included culture from urine samples. Positive qPCR samples were subjected to 16S rRNA and secYgene phylogenetic analysis. The recovered strains were characterized by Multilocus Sequence Typing, polyclonal serogroup identification and virulence determination. Leptospiruria was detected in all populations studied (13/123), and phylogenetic analysis revealed that 10 dogs had L. interrogans infection. Three dogs (3/13) had L. santarosai infection. The secYphylogenetic analysis revealed that the L. santarosai sequences clustered separately from those obtained from other hosts. Ten leptospiruric dogs were reevaluated, and three dogs presented persistent leptospiruria, allowing culturing from two dogs. The strains were characterized as L. interrogans serogroup Canicola (virulent) and L. santarosai serogroup Sejroe (not virulent). Serum samples were retested by MAT using the DU92 and DU114 strains as antigens, and no increased seroreactivity was detected. Asymptomatic L. santarosai infection was observed in all populations studied, suggesting a possible role of dogs in the chain of transmission of this leptospiral species. The results suggest a genetic distinction between lineages of Brazilian L. santarosai maintained by dogs and other animal hosts. Our findings revealed that dogs could act as maintenance hosts for distinct pathogenic Leptospira, highlighting also that asymptomatically infected dogs can be inadvertently admitted and adopted in dog shelters, potentially increasing the risks of zoonotic transmission. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/14681-7 - Evaluation of urinary shedding and identification of chronic carriers of pathogenic leptospiras in dogs holded at public or private animal shelters of São Paulo Metroplitan Area
Grantee:Mitika Kuribayashi Hagiwara
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 12/13022-0 - Study of urinary shedding and identification of chronic carriers of pathogenic leptospiras in dogs kept in public or private animal shelters of Metropolitan São Paulo area
Grantee:Bruno Alonso Miotto
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
FAPESP's process: 13/17136-2 - Characterization of Leptospira strains isolated in Brazil by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing and comparative genomic analysis.
Grantee:Luisa Zanolli Moreno
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate