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Prevalence of Leptospira in murine in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Jian-Ming Li1,2,3, Lian-Min Li1,2,3, Jun-Feng Shi1,2,3
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.
Abstract:
Leptospirosis is an acute infectious disease caused by pathogenic bacteria from the genus Leptospira. The disease is widely distributed throughout China, causing harm to human and animal health. Murine may naturally carry a variety of pathogenic Leptospira, thus being important sources of infection by humans and livestock. The aim of this study was to assess and analyse the prevalence of Leptospira and its risk factors in murine. We collected 46 publications published between inception and 2022 through China Knowledge Network (CNKI), VIP Chinese Journal Database, Wanfang Database, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. In these studies, a total of 54,051 murine in 5 regions of China were investigated, and the prevalence of leptospirosis ranged from 1.11 to 35.29%. The prevalence of murine leptospirosis in south China was the highest, at 20.13%, and the lowest in northeast China, at 1.11% (P < 0.05). The prevalence of leptospirosis in male murine was 21.38%, which was significantly higher than that in females (17.07%; P < 0.05). Results according to detection method subgroup showed that the prevalence from serological testing was 15.94%, which was significantly higher than that of etiology and molecular biology methods (P < 0.01). In the sample subgroup, the positive rate of serum samples was 15.30%, which was significantly higher than that of tissue samples, at 7.97%. In addition, the influence of different geographical factors on prevalence was analyzed, indicating that the Yangtze River Basin was a high-incidence area for leptospirosis. The study showed that Leptospira were ubiquitous throughout the country, and factors such as environment, temperature and landform affect the murine distribution and their bacteria carrying rate. We suggest strengthening the continuous monitoring of leptospirosis and taking effective and comprehensive measures such as reducing water contact, vaccinating in high-incidence seasons, and avoiding human contamination caused by water pollution and contact with infected murine.
Insights
Leptospirosis is widespread in Chinese murine populations, with higher prevalence in South China and male rodents. Environmental factors significantly influence infection rates, necessitating enhanced surveillance and control measures.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Leptospirosis, caused by pathogenic Leptospira bacteria, poses a significant threat to human and animal health in China.
- Murine are natural reservoirs for pathogenic Leptospira, acting as crucial sources of infection for humans and livestock.
Approach:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of 46 publications from inception to 2022 was conducted.
- Data from 54,051 murine across five Chinese regions were analyzed to determine Leptospira prevalence and associated risk factors.
- Geographical, biological, and methodological factors influencing prevalence were investigated.
Key Points:
- Overall murine leptospirosis prevalence ranged from 1.11% to 35.29%, with South China exhibiting the highest rates (20.13%).
- Male murine (21.38%) showed significantly higher prevalence than females (17.07%).
- Serological testing reported higher prevalence (15.94%) than etiological or molecular methods; serum samples (15.30%) were more frequently positive than tissue samples (7.97%).
Conclusions:
- Leptospira is ubiquitous in Chinese murine populations, with prevalence influenced by environmental factors like geography, temperature, and landform.
- The Yangtze River Basin is identified as a high-incidence area for leptospirosis.
- Continuous monitoring and comprehensive control strategies, including reduced water contact and vaccination, are recommended to mitigate leptospirosis transmission.
