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Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with equineleptospirosis in the metropolitan region of Salvador and Recôncavo Baiano region, Bahia state (NE Brazil)

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Abstract

Equine leptospirosis, although usually asymptomatic, has been associated with recurrent uveitis, abortion, and other systemic signs, constituting a major economic loss in the equine agribusiness sector. The occurrence of anti-Leptospira spp. agglutinins were investigated in 1200 serum samples of horses from 27 municipalities of the Recôncavo Baiano region, Bahia state (NE Brazil), besides the risk factors related to animals and their cattle farms. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was performed using 13 serogroups of Leptospira spp. as antigens. From 1200 analyzed equines, 97 (8%) were considered as positive, which obtained titer equal to or higher than 200. In 22 (78.6%) from the 28 properties, at least one animal was detected as seropositive. The most prevalent serogroup in animals, raised in stables, was the Australis (serovar Bratislava) 67%; in mounted police animals was the Sejroe (serovar Wolffi and Hardjobovis) 50%; and equestrian animals was the Australis (serovar Bratislava) 25% and Icterohaemorrhagiae (serovar Copenhageni) 25%. Equine leptospirosis is present in most cattle farms of the region studied. The risk factors of major importance regarded the semi-extensive livestock farming, the land topography of the cattle farm, the contact with animals in neighboring properties, and cohabitation with goats.

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Funding

This study is supported by the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) for financing of the project (Protocol0 0200093638870136 - Notice-MCT/CNPq 14/2010) and to CAPES by granting scholarship to carry out the Master’s degree.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Post Graduate Program in Animal Science in the Tropics, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Adhemar de Barros, 500, Ondina, Salvador, BA, 40170-110, Brazil

    Cândida C. Siqueira, Deborah B. M. Fraga, Marta M. N. Silva, Melissa H. Pinna & Maria C. C. Ayres

  2. Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Rua Waldemar Falcão 121, Candeal, Salvador, BA, 40296-710, Brazil

    Adenizar D. Chagas-Junior, Daniel A. Athanazio & Flávia W. da C. McBride

  3. Bacteriosis Laboratory, Federal University of the Recôncavo of Bahia, Cruz das Almas, BA, Brazil

    Robson B. Cerqueira

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  1. Cândida C. Siqueira
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  2. Deborah B. M. Fraga
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Correspondence to Maria C. C. Ayres.

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Siqueira, C.C., Fraga, D.B.M., Chagas-Junior, A.D. et al. Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with equineleptospirosis in the metropolitan region of Salvador and Recôncavo Baiano region, Bahia state (NE Brazil). Trop Anim Health Prod 52, 31–39 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-019-01956-5

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