Prevalence and risk factors for Leptospira spp. in dairy cattle in western Paraná, Brazil

Leptospirosis is caused by spirochete bacteria of the genus Leptospira and considered most widespread zoonosis worldwide. It an important agent that causes animal production to decrease. In cattle, it affects especially reproductive tract. The objective this study was determine seroprevalence spp., molecularly detect in tissues aborted fetuses, identify main risk factors associated with infection cattle dairy farms Western Paraná. For purpose, 600 bovine serum samples from 60 properties 17 fetuses nine were collected. Data about also collected through epidemiological questionnaire assess spp. infection. analyzed using microscopic agglutination test (MAT), fetal nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR). Seroprevalence Paraná 39.83% (239/600) none positive for identified are related system, management, presence dogs on property. widely spread population