Estudos epidemiológicos da leptospirose equina na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

Epidemiological studies of equine leptospirosis were carried out in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, which is a neglected tropical zoonosis caused by pathogenic bacteria of Leptospira genus. Firstly, a cross-sectional serological study of leptospirosis in cart horses used by families with social vulnerability for recyclable materials collection is presented. As results, 89.9% (n=107) were reagents for one or more serovars in MAT with titers equal or above 100. Hardjo (Hardjoprajitno) was the most prevalent serovar in this study. Exposure risk factors were assessed by univariate analysis showed risk association between equines grazing on native grassland and seroreactivity in MAT (p=0.02) and abortion (p<0.001). In addition, the risk association between natural mating (p<0.001), presence of rodents near house (p<0.001), storage of feed in shed (p=0.03) and abortion was significant. Subsequently, the first report of equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) caused by leptospires in horses of the Crioula breed in Brazil is described, based on clinical manifestations, laboratory diagnosis and epidemiological investigation. It is also described a case of leptospirosis abortion in a mare in the municipality of Pelotas (RS), where it was possible to isolate the agent, characterize the virulence in animal model and the preliminary genotypic characterization of the isolated strain. These results suggest that through this cross-sectional study it was possible to know the prevalence of leptospires, to isolate the agent of horses used in traction and to diagnose equine recurrent uveitis in horses of the Crioula breed.