Presence of Leptospira spp. in a mosaic of wetlands used for livestock raising under differing hydro-climatic conditions

CHIANI Y; JACOB PAULINA; MAYORA G; AQUINO D; QUINTANA R; LETICIA MESA

APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY

AMER SOC MICROBIOLOGY

Lugar: Washington; Año: 2023

0099-2240

Knowledge about the life cycle and survival mechanisms of leptospires inthe environment is scarce, particularly regarding the environmental factors associatedwith their presence in ecosystems subject to livestock farming, where precipitation, seasonalfloods, and river overflows could act as facilitators of leptospire dispersion. This study aimedto identify and study the presence of Leptospira spp. in the Lower Delta of the Paraná Riverand describe the physical, chemical, and hydrometeorological conditions associated withtheir presence in wetland ecosystems impaired by livestock raising intensification. Here,we show that the presence of Leptospira was determined mainly by water availability. Wedetected the species Leptospira kmetyi, L. mayottensis, and L. fainei and successfully culturedthe saprophytic species L. meyeri from bottom sediment, suggesting the association of leptospireswith microbial communities of the sediment’s biofilm to enhance its survival andpersistence in aquatic environments and adapt to changing environmental conditions.Knowledge of Leptospira sp. diversity in wetlands and the impact of climate variability onthe transmission of these organisms is crucial for predicting and preventing leptospirosisoutbreaks in the context of human health.