Seroepidemiology and spatial distribution of Leptospira spp. infection among goats in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to analyze epidemiological aspects associated with Leptospira spp. infection among goats in the Agreste and Sertão regions of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. In total, 476 samples were collected from non-vaccinated animals aged one year or more. The antibody research was carried out using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). In order to determine risk factors, a standardized investigative questionnaire was used to ask the owner objective questions about the productive, reproductive and sanitary management characteristics of the property. Of the 476 samples analyzed, 27.3% (130/476; C.I. 23.4% - 31.6%) were positive. Regarding the properties, it was observed that 87.5% presented at least one positive animal. The most common serovar was Autumnalis (54.1%), which also exhibited the greatest distribution in the different points of the study. In the risk factor analysis, a significant difference (OR=0.40; C.I. 0.18 – 0.88; p=0.023) was found for the variable gender (male). Thus, it is suggested that prophylactic measures are implemented in order to reduce the prevalence in herds and consequently economic losses for producers, as well as risk to public health.