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[The noncorrespondence of the geographic ranges of the host and the causative agent]
Abstract:
For the first time the experimental and field studies of Leptospira infections, carried out over the period of 6 years, have revealed that the habitat of striped field mice (Apodemus agrarius Pallas 1778) serving as a host for Leptospira pomona, serovar mozdok, is much wider than the habitat of the infective agent proper. The presence of an animal species highly sensitive to a definite leptospiral serovar and serving as its reservoir at a given locality cannot be regarded as a proof of the presence of the epizootic process without bacteriological confirmation. But, in the absence of homologous Leptospira carriage, intensive leptospiral seroconversion can be attributed to a population other than that of the host.
Insights
Striped field mice host Leptospira pomona, serovar mozdok, across a wider habitat than the bacteria itself. Seroconversion indicates infection, but bacteriological confirmation is vital to prove an active epizootic process.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Wildlife Epidemiology
Context:
- Leptospira infections pose significant public health and veterinary concerns.
- Understanding host-pathogen dynamics is crucial for disease control.
- Previous studies have not fully delineated the habitat range of Leptospira pomona, serovar mozdok, in relation to its primary host.
Purpose:
- To investigate the spatial distribution of Leptospira pomona, serovar mozdok, and its host, the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius).
- To assess the reliability of host presence and seroconversion as indicators of active Leptospira epizootic processes.
- To determine the necessity of bacteriological confirmation for diagnosing Leptospira outbreaks.
Summary:
- Six years of experimental and field studies reveal that the habitat of striped field mice, a reservoir for Leptospira pomona, serovar mozdok, exceeds the bacteria's own environmental range.
- The presence of a sensitive host species does not automatically confirm an active Leptospira epizootic.
- Intensive leptospiral seroconversion in the absence of homologous Leptospira carriage suggests infection in alternative populations.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of considering broader ecological factors in Leptospira epidemiology.
- Emphasizes the critical need for bacteriological confirmation in diagnosing Leptospira infections and epizootics.
- Informs targeted surveillance and control strategies for Leptospira by differentiating between host presence and active transmission.