Epidemiological evidence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in horses at a global level (years 2015 to 2025): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease with clinical consequences and potential sequelae in horses.

AIMS: To estimate the pooled global seroprevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in horses, detected with the Microscopic Agglutination Test, the frequency by serogroups and serovars, the geographical distribution of studies and the main reported clinical signs and organic manifestations through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A bibliographic search was conducted for cross-sectional epidemiologic studies published between 2015 and 2025. The risk of bias was determined and statistical tests of heterogeneity were performed, using the random effects model to obtain the pooled prevalences.

RESULTS

Thirty-five documents were included, estimating a pooled seroprevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies of 47.2% (95%CI=37.6-57.1%). The most frequent serogroups were Australis (20.0%) and Icterohaemorrhagiae (17.1%), while the most reported serovars were Bratislava (15.2%) and Icterohaemorrhagiae (12.1%). The highest frequency of studies was recorded in South America, followed by Europe and Asia. Brazil, Chile and the USA were the countries with the most studies. The pooled seroprevalences by continent were: 71.0% in North America; 55.0% in South America; 49.0% in Asia; 34.0% in Oceania; and 27.0% in Europe. The main clinical signs described were recurrent uveitis and fever, while frequently recorded organic manifestations included reproductive system disorders and renal failure.

CONCLUSIONS

The high pooled seroprevalence documented underscores the need for veterinarians, the scientific community, and public and governmental organizations involved in animal health to recognize the relevance of leptospirosis in horses, as well as to continuously update the existing knowledge about the disease.