Assessing leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis seropositivity in wild boars (Sus scrofa): Implications for public and animal health in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis are re-emerging zoonosis caused by infection with pathogenic spirochaetes of Leptospira and the protozoa Toxoplasma gondii, respectively. Wild boars (Sus scrofa), an exotic invasive species in Brazil, could play a role in the diseases’ epidemiological cycles, but this issue is still unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the Leptospira spp. and T. gondii seropositivity in wild boars in Rio Grande do Sul state, south Brazil. Of evaluated animals, 16% (13/80) and 85% (52/61) had antibodies to T. gondii and Leptospira spp., respectively. Sex, weight, age, hunt location and season of hunt were evaluated by their association with seropositivity for both pathogens, but none of them had statistical significance. This study revealed that wild boars should be considered as a potential source of Leptospira spp. and T. gondii dissemination for humans and animal species in shared environments in Rio Grande do Sul state.