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Leptospira-rat-human relationship in Luzon, Philippines
Sharon Yvette Angelina M Villanueva1, Mitsumasa Saito1, Rubelia A Baterna2
1Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
Microbes and Infection
|July 23, 2014
Summary
Rats are key reservoirs for Leptospira, a bacterium causing leptospirosis. This study in the Philippines links rat and human Leptospira strains, suggesting rats transmit the infection to humans.
Area of Science:
- Zoonotic infections
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Leptospirosis is a significant zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira species.
- Rats are identified as primary reservoirs for Leptospira transmission.
- Understanding the Leptospira-rat-human transmission dynamics is crucial for public health, especially in endemic regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Leptospira isolates from both human and rat populations in Luzon, Philippines.
- To elucidate the specific transmission pathways between rats and humans.
- To identify predominant Leptospira serogroups and their genetic relatedness.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and confirmation of Leptospira strains from human and rat samples.
- Pathogenicity assessment using hamster lethality assays.
- Serotyping to identify predominant serogroups.
- Gyrase B gene sequencing for species identification.
- Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for strain typing.
Main Results:
- Forty Leptospira strains were isolated and confirmed as pathogenic, with 73% lethal to hamsters.
- Pyrogenes, Bataviae, and Grippotyphosa were the predominant serogroups.
- Gyrase B sequencing confirmed all isolates as Leptospira interrogans, with high similarity to serovars Manilae and Losbanos, and the Grippotyphosa serogroup.
- PFGE analysis revealed distinct clusters (A, B, C) corresponding to the predominant serogroups.
- Identical serotypes were found in both human and rat populations within the same geographical areas.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that three predominant Leptospira groups, characterized by similar PFGE patterns, are likely transmitted by rats to humans in Luzon.
- These findings highlight the significant role of rats as reservoirs in the persistent transmission of leptospirosis.
- Targeted interventions focusing on rat control may be effective in reducing leptospirosis incidence in the region.
