Detection of antibodies against Leptospira spp in free-living marsupials caught in the Eastern Amazon.

INTRODUCTION

Serological surveys are important to assess the health status of wild animals. In this study, antibodies against Leptospira spp, causal agents of leptospirosis, were detected in free-living marsupials in the State of Pará, Brazil.

METHODS

Nineteen blood samples collected from marsupials in the municipalities of Peixe-Boi, Viseu, and Castanhal were subjected to microscopic agglutination tests.

RESULTS

In total, 36.8% (7/19) of samples were positive, and two exhibited co-agglutination. The most frequent serovars were Icterohaemorrhagiae (60%; 3/5), Panama (20%; 1/5), and Nupezo (20%; 1/5).

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-Leptospira spp antibodies currently circulate in free-living marsupials in Northeastern Pará.