Infection with Leptospira kirschneri Serovar Mozdok: First Report from the Southern Hemisphere

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira species.
• Leptospira kirschneri serogroup Pomona serovar Mozdok is known to be endemic in European animal populations.

Observation:

• Two L. kirschneri serogroup Pomona serovar Mozdok isolates were characterized, one from a dog and one from a human patient with severe leptospirosis.
• These isolates were obtained four years apart, indicating sustained circulation.
• Histopathological analysis in a hamster model revealed that both isolates induced significant tissue damage.

Findings:

• This study provides the first report of Leptospira kirschneri serogroup Pomona serovar Mozdok causing human leptospirosis in the Southern Hemisphere.
• The findings confirm the severe pathogenicity of this serovar, as demonstrated by hamster infection models.
• The four-year interval between isolations suggests a persistent presence of this serovar in the region.

Implications:

• The emergence of serovar Mozdok as a cause of human leptospirosis in Brazil has significant public health implications.
• This finding necessitates a re-evaluation of current diagnostic strategies for leptospirosis.
• The presence of this specific serovar may impact the efficacy of existing vaccines and the development of new ones.