Emerging Infectious Diseases (Apr 2022)

Zoonotic Pathogens in Wildlife Traded in Markets for Human Consumption, Laos

  • Pruksa Nawtaisong,
  • Matthew T. Robinson,
  • Khongsy Khammavong,
  • Phonesavanh Milavong,
  • Audrey Rachlin,
  • Sabine Dittrich,
  • Audrey Dubot-Pérès,
  • Malavanh Vongsouvath,
  • Paul F. Horwood,
  • Philippe Dussart,
  • Watthana Theppangna,
  • Bounlom Douangngeum,
  • Amanda E. Fine,
  • Mathieu Pruvot,
  • Paul N. Newton

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2804.210249
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 28, no. 4
pp. 860 – 864

Abstract

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We tested animals from wildlife trade sites in Laos for the presence of zoonotic pathogens. Leptospira spp. were the most frequently detected infectious agents, found in 20.1% of animals. Rickettsia typhi and R. felis were also detected. These findings suggest a substantial risk for exposure through handling and consumption of wild animal meat.

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