Seroprevalence anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies and the risk factors in cattle of the tropical savannah of eastern Colombia

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease in the tropical zone with a broad and endemic distribution. The condition is complex, where different host factors, serovar type, reservoirs, environment, and agricultural practices intervene. In cattle, the disease causes significant damage to the livestock sector, and the surrounding conditions can influence its dynamics. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies and the risk factors in cattle in the tropical savannah from eastern Colombia. Blood was taken from the coccygeal veins of 1,000 animals. The MAT (Microagglutination) technique was used for the identification of the serogroup Autumnalis, Bataviae, Bratislava, Canicola, Copenhagen, Cynopteri, Grippotyphosa, Sejroe, Mini, Pomona, Shermani, Tarassovi, and Celledoni. Studies of risk factors were carried out according to the serovar through the calculation of X2 and OR. Seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. was 34.2% with 92.3% of herds. Pomona had the highest frequency of 7.9%, followed by Hardjo prajit with 7.0% and Grippotyphosa with 6.2%. Antibody agglutination with more than one serovar was seen in 102 (29.8%) samples. The serogroup with the highest correlations were Pomona and Hardjo prajit.