Presence of Leptospira spp. in a Mosaic of Wetlands Used for Livestock Raising under Differing Hydroclimatic Conditions

CHIANI, YOSENA T.; JACOB, PAULINA; MAYORA, GISELA; AQUINO, DIEGO S.; QUINTANA, RUBÉN D.; MESA, LETICIA

APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY

AMER SOC MICROBIOLOGY

Lugar: Washington; Año: 2023

0099-2240

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