Meta-analysis of Bovine Leptospirosis Prevalence in India

Leptospirosis is a globally significant and neglected zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp., affecting a wide range of mammalian hosts including humans, cattle, and buffaloes. In livestock, it leads to considerable economic losses through abortions, stillbirths, reduced fertility, and decreased milk production, especially in tropical and subtropical regions where environmental conditions favor bacterial persistence and transmission. Despite its severity, bovine leptospirosis remains under reported in endemic regions such as India. This meta-analysis synthesized data from 46 studies (2001-2021) to estimate the pooled prevalence, epidemiology, and diagnostic challenges of bovine leptospirosis in India. The pooled prevalence was 29% in cattle and 32% in buffaloes. Seropositivity ranged from 50- 70% in animals with reproductive disorders to 15-20% in healthy bovines. Coastal states such as Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Andaman Islands showed the highest prevalence, influenced by favorable ecological conditions. Twenty pathogenic Leptospira serogroups were identified, with dominant serogroups (Sejroe, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Hebdomadis, Pomona, etc.) and evidence of temporal shifts in the prevalent serogroups. Significant diagnostic challenges included variability in sample sizes, heterogeneity among studies, and the limited sensitivity of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) compared to the gold-standard microscopic agglutination test (MAT). These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, incorporation of diverse serogroups into diagnostic panels, and region-specific vaccination strategies. Strengthening molecular diagnostic tools, improving seroepidemiological studies, and implementing targeted control measures are essential for reducing the impact of leptospirosis on livestock productivity and public health in India. This work offers critical insights that can inform policy decisions and intervention strategies for effective disease management.