Leptospira interrogans in Rodents from Cape Verde

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Zoonotic Diseases

Background:

• Leptospirosis is a global zoonotic disease affecting animals and humans.
• While often self-limiting, severe forms can lead to high mortality.
• Rodents are known reservoirs for pathogenic Leptospira.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence of pathogenic Leptospira in wild rodents on Santiago Island, Cape Verde.
• To identify the specific species of Leptospira in rodent populations.
• To assess the public health implications of identified Leptospira strains.

Main Methods:

• A total of 62 wild rodents (Rattus rattus and Mus domesticus) were sampled in 2012-2013.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the lipL32 gene, specific to pathogenic Leptospira.
• Samples were analyzed from three different localities on Santiago Island.

Main Results:

• Pathogenic Leptospira was detected in 25.8% (16/62) of the analyzed rodents.
• Leptospira interrogans was identified in both Rattus rattus and Mus domesticus.
• The presence of pathogenic Leptospira was confirmed across all three sampled localities.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms the circulation of pathogenic Leptospira, specifically L. interrogans, in wild rodents on Santiago Island.
• L. interrogans is associated with severe human leptospirosis, including Weil's disease, posing a significant health risk to the local population.
• Findings underscore the need for enhanced surveillance and public health interventions to mitigate leptospirosis transmission.