Investigating the frequency of Leptospira serotypes in stray dogs

Introduction and Objectives: Leptospirosis is one of the important infectious disease that spreads throughout the world, which is caused by Leptospira. A wide range of domestic and wild animals are the important reservoirs for Leptospira; and these animals are the source of infection for humans. Direct contact with infected animals or exposure to contaminated water with the urine of the animal reservoir results in the transfer of leptospirosis to humans. Stray dogs seem to have a high risk of exposure to Leptospira species and may be contaminated with some of the leptospiral serovars. Materials and methods: The aim of this study was to determine the leptospirosisseroprevalence among stray dogs. In this study, blood samples were obtained from 120 stray dogs in Chaharmahalobakhtiariprovince; none of the dogs had clinical symptoms of leptospirosis at the time of sampling. Then, DNA extraction was performed from blood samples. Finally, PCR method was accomplished. Results: The results showed that nine dogs (7.5%) were infected with Leptospira. Moreover, stray dogs can be infected through hunting of contaminated rodents or contacting with Leptospira infected water and soil. As a consequence, the disease can be transmitted to other animals and humans by contaminating the environment.

کلیدواژه ها:

Leptospira ، Stray dogs ، Chaharmahalobakhtiariprovince