Leptospira spp. antibodies in captive coatis (Nasua nasua Storr, 1780) (Carnivora: Procyonidae)

Author(s)

Langoni, H. ^[1] ; Kawaguchi, M. F. ; Oshika, J. C. ^[2] ; Da Silva, R. C. ; Teixeira, C. R. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] UNESP, Fac Med Vet & Zootecn, Dept Higiene Vet & Saude Publ, Vet Med & Anim Husb Sch, NUPEZO, Zoonosis Res Ctr, BR-18618000 Botucatu, SP - Brazil

^[2] UNESP, Vet Med & Anim Husb Sch, Dept Vet Surg & Anesthesiol, BR-18618000 Botucatu, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases; v. 15, n. 4, p. 762-767, 2009.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a worldwide infection that affects many species, including wild animals. The present study aimed to detect Leptospira spp. antibodies in 17 captive coatis (Nasua nasua) by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Nine (52.94%) animals tested positive and the following serovars were identified: Copenhageni (22.22%), Shermani (22.22%), Andamana (11.11%), Wolfii (11.11%) and Pyrogenes (11.11%). Two samples presented coagglutination, one (11.11%) for Hebdomadis and Wolfii, and another (11.11%) for Hebdomadis, Hardjo and Wolfii. The current study revealed the presence of the infection even in animals without any clinical signs, reinforcing the possibility that wild animals in captivity may be infected by leptospire serovars, thus enabling reservoirs. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 05/02621-6 - Research on anti-Leptospira and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in captive coatis (Nasua nasua)
• Grantee: Mayane Fogaça Kawaguchi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation