PCR amplification of the nearly full-length of virulence flagellin gene (flaB) was employed for rapid identification of Leptospira spp and of Leptospira-specific 16S rDNA (rrs) for differentiation from other bacteria. This approach distinguished pathogenic from non-pathogenic Leptospira strains, and the generation of restriction fragment length polymorphism profiles using a combination of restr...

leptospirosis is one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases worldwide. currently, multivalent whole-cell leptospiral vaccines can induce protection against leptospirosis. therefore, preparation and formulation of new generations of vaccines that can stimulate long-term immunity for leptospirosis control are essential. the aim of this study was to prepare and characterize alginate microspheres ...

This study investigated the exposure of jaguar populations and domestic animals to smooth Brucella, Leptospira spp. and Toxoplasma gondii in the Cerrado, Pantanal and Amazon biomes of Brazil. Between February 2000 and January 2010, serum samples from 31 jaguars (Panthera onca), 1,245 cattle (Bos taurus), 168 domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and 29 domestic cats (Felis catus) were collecte...

To assess the distribution of specific antibodies against Leptospira spp. in Austrian adults, we conducted an explorative nationwide cross-sectional serological study in 400 healthy individuals. Antibody titres against Leptospira spp. were determined in a microscopic agglutination test using a panel of 14 serovar cultures. Sera of 18 participants were excluded because the samples were unsuitabl...

Background: Leptospirosis is an acute infectious disease in humans caused by Leptospira spp. and classified as a zoonosis. Clinical symptoms of leptospirosis are nonspecific and the current available laboratory method for detecting Leptospira spp. is difficult, which resulted to the misdiagnosis of this disease. Therefore, the rapid and accurate method is needed to diagnose the disease. This st...

Leptospirosis is an acute, febrile disease occurring in humans and animals worldwide. Leptospira spp. are usually transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the urine of infected reservoir animals. Among wildlife species, rodents act as the most important reservoir for both human and animal infection. To gain a better understanding of the occurrence and distribution of pathogenic lepto...

Leptospirosis, caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp., has recently been recognized as an emerging infectious disease worldwide. Despite its severity and global importance, knowledge about the molecular pathogenesis and virulence evolution of Leptospira spp. remains limited. Here we sequenced and analyzed 102 isolates representing global sources. A high genomic variability were observed among dif...

Sugarcane field-workers, like rice field-workers, livestock farmers and abattoir workers are known to be occupationally exposed to zoonotic agents. The study determined the seroprevalence of immunoglobulins to Toxoplasma gondii (IgM), Leptospira spp (IgM) and Brucella abortus (IgG) in sugarcane field-workers across weighing stations in the island of Trinidad. In addition, the association of ris...

A serologic survey was conducted among 76 sows randomly selected from a single farrow-to-finish swine herd, located on the Ibiúna municipality, state of São Paulo, Brazil, to investigate associations between Leptospira spp. seropositivity and reproductive performance. For detection of anti-leptospires antibodies, the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was carried out using live cultures of 22...

OBJECTIVES This study was conducted in Northern Italy with the aim of defining the risk of agricultural workers' contact with biological agents through the determination of serum antibodies against selected zoonotic agents. Immunity against tetanus was also investigated. METHODS Two groups of agricultural workers consisting of 153 animal breeders (exposed) and 46 non- breeders (controls) were...