Spatial Distribution of Serologically Reactive Sheep to Leptospira spp. in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Background: Considering the importance of leptospirosis in sheep farming and public health significance identifying which serogroups circulate within each region, objective this study was to determine seroprevalence spatial distribution most frequent causing infection by Leptospira sp. ovine herds Northeast region Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: Blood samples were collected from 4197 229 7 Northeastern States. Sera analyzed via microscopic agglutination test (MAT). The frequency seroreactive for 14.06%. states Alagoas, Ceará, Paraíba, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, Sergipe, located Caatinga biome, had highest frequencies serologically reactive sheep, Maranhão, Cerrado lowest frequency. Autumnalis (19.49%), Australis (15.76%) Serjoe (14.41%). In 100% their municipalities at least one animal. seropositive animals found União (50%), Passagem (49.06%), Canindé (48.89%), Igaci (28.95%), Gararu (31.2%), Pirapemas (17.5%), Angicos (16%) Maranhão respectively.Discussion: animal-level prevalence (14.06%) obtained present is significant, especially considering rustic nature species adverse conditions infectious agent. semi-arid conditions, it has been suggested that perhaps not seroconvert detectable titers on MAT with a cut-off point 1:100. It important highlight theovine population Brazil composed mixed animals, have considered more resistant spp. Also, environmental factors hostile survival agent studied should be taken into consideration, since they may influenced prevalence. A noteworthy variation observed agglutinin titers, ranged 100 1,600, where 80.2% positive ≤ 200. elevated (≥ 400) all seven states, suggest an acute caused non-adapted serovar, indicating preventive control measures focused possible sources adopted. Although some showed same as frequent, variety municipalities, indicate different infection, whether interspecies, intraspecies, or alternative routes transmission such venereal. This indicates even though are become exposed due environment management conditions. As such, identification, isolation, treatment affected recommended prevention region. evident despite lack rain last decade Brazil, prevented formation favorable environments presence Leptospira, remains among well other production wild Some contributing scenario, fact characterized mainly subsistence systems, veterinary assistance adequate sanitary absent, thus increasing possibility contact Leptospira.Keywords: small ruminants, semi-arid, zoonosis.