Open AccessHigh frequency of seropositivity of Leptospira in cattle in North Tunisia
Author(s) -
Khamassi Khbou Médiha,
Haouala Kamel,
Benzarti M'hammed
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
veterinary medicine and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.485
H-Index - 11
ISSN - 2053-1095
DOI - 10.1002/vms3.52
Subject(s) - leptospirosis , seroprevalence , serotype , direct agglutination test , leptospira , veterinary medicine , outbreak , serology , epidemiology , biology , geography , medicine , virology , immunology , antibody
The authors report a survey carried out in a cattle farm between January and April 2009 in Mateur region (Northern Tunisia). Seroprevalence by Microscopic Agglutination Test ( MAT ) was estimated to 81.4 ± 6% and 35 ± 2% in cows and calves, respectively. Seropositivity to more than one serovar was noticed in 91% (81/89) of infected animals. The examination of the distribution pattern of Leptospira serovars involved in this outbreak indicates that serovar Pomona was the predominant one (75.3%), followed by Autumnalis (59.5%), Bim (58.4%) and Munchen (55%). High titres (between 400 and 6400) were found in 68.7% of the tested animals and were correlated with clinical onset of leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is an underestimated pathogen in Tunisia; further investigations are needed to study the epidemiology both in man and animals and to implement effective control measures.