Arquivos do Instituto Biológico (Dec 2016)

Epidemiological characterization of leptospirosis in horses in the state of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil

  • José Romero Alexandre Alves,
  • Kalyne Danielly Silva de Oliveira,
  • Diego Figueiredo da Costa,
  • Leise Gomes Fernandes,
  • Severino Silvano dos Santos Higino,
  • Clebert José Alves,
  • Carolina de Sousa Américo Batista Santos,
  • Sergio Santos de Azevedo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/1808-1657001032014
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 83, no. 0

Abstract

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ABSTRACT: An epidemiological survey aiming to determine the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies and to identify risk factors was carried out in horses of the Pajeú microregion, state of Pernambuco. Sera from 100 horses from 38 properties in four counties in the region were examined by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), using 24 Leptospira spp. serovars as antigens. Of the 100 samples tested, 28 (28%) were positive. Most prevalent serovars were Patoc (35.71%), Butembo (32.14%) and Sentot (14.30%). Supply of pasture as forage (odds ratio =7.80; 95% confidence interval - 95%CI 1.71-35.50; p=0.008) was identify as risk factor. It is suggested the need for studies on agent isolation and characterization of its pathogenicity, as well as it is recommended the rodent control in deposits of feed and environment.

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