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Molecular detection of Leptospira in urine samples of dogs in Kerman city
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E. Mohammadi *   , H. Gonabadi |
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Abstract: (17 Views) |
Leptospirosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic disease primarily found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. The spiral, aerobic spirochetes of Leptospira are classified into saprophytic or non-pathogenic species (Leptospira biflexa) and pathogenic species (Leptospira interrogans). Factors such as climate change, heavy rainfall, flooding, poor sanitation, improper waste management, and high populations of reservoir hosts like rodents contribute to increased infection rates. In dogs, symptoms range from mild fever to severe organ damage. Direct contact between humans or animals and infected animals or soil and water contaminated with the urine of carrier animals leads to the transmission of Leptospira. Due to the slow growth of the bacterium and the absence of specific antibodies during the first week of the disease, culture and serological tests in detection of disease are inefficient respectively. Instead, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, with its high sensitivity and accuracy, emerges as a suitable alternative. In this study, Leptospira was detected in urine samples from dogs in Kerman city using the PCR method. For this purpose, fifty dog urine samples were collected, and DNA was extracted using a commercial kit. Subsequently, PCR was performed to detect Leptospira DNA using specific primers targeting the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. The PCR products were electrophoresed and analyzed using a gel documentation system. The frequency of Leptospira DNA in urine samples was found to be six out of fiftyy (12%). These findings indicate the presence of Leptospira bacteria in dogs in Kerman, posing a potential risk to individuals in contact with these animals. The World Health Organization should take appropriate measures to control and prevent this issue.
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| Keywords: Leptospira, urine, PCR, dog, Kerman |
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
General
Received: 2025/05/4
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