Serodiagnosis of leptospirosis in cattle in north of Iran, Gilan

Abstract

In order to investigate the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in traditional dairy farms, a serological study was conducted in Gilan province. For this study,, a total of 205 serum samples were randomly collected from nine districts of this province. All serum samples were serologically tested by the standard MAT using live antigens representing the following Leptospira interrogans serovars: Gripptyphosa, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Hardjo, Canicola, Ballum and Pomona. The lowest dilution that each serum was considered positive was 1:100. The results of this study showed that 53 (25.8%) animals had a positive reaction against one or more serovars. The most prevalent Leptospira serovar was Canicola representing representing 24 (11.7%) samples, and the least prevalent Leptospira serovars were Icterohaemorrhagiae representing 1 (0.5%) sample and Hardjo, 2 (1%) samples. The most prevalent reciprocal titer was 100 and the highest titer was 400. The results of this study may support that cows may have a role in maintaining Canicola serovar. As mostany of the visited herds had at least one unvaccinated dog for guarding the herds, it has beenis concluded that the high prevalence of Canicola serogroup can be associated with close contact between dogs and cows. In addition, infected cows are a potential zoonotic risk to farmers, milkers, abattoir workers and meat inspectors, which previously has not been seriously considered.